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May 23, 2018
38 Tips on Packing your House
Congratulations! You have sold the house and found the new one. Start making lists. Lists will be your friend. Make lists and check them off. Here are some tips to help this crucial step go more smoothly. Reduce your stuff. Obvious I know, but the less you have, the less boxes you need. You probably should have already had a big clean out before you put the house on the market. Prospective buyers turn their noses up at your crowded garage or stuffed-to-the-gills linen closet. Larger items which may be nearly obsolete (that old tv, computer, treadmill) might actually cost more to move than they are worth – Get rid of them. Stop grocery shopping. This is the time to consume (or throw) all those cans of diced tomatoes, sweet corn and black beans. Empty the freezer and pantry by eating your way through it. Thaw those chops, chow down on all those nearly empty boxes of cereal, and almost finished jars of peanut butter and check all the ‘best before’ dates. When in doubt, throw it out. Calculate how many boxes you need and make sure you have all the packing essentials - boxes, bubble wrap, sticky tape, old towels or blankets. Make friends at the big grocery stores and ask for their empty boxes. Request early or they will wrap them, cut them, and send them for recycling. Alternatively there are great companies such as A1 Boxes that you can purchase new boxes and return and get a refund or purchase second hand boxes. Another way to get your hand on these are through suburb facebook pages such as Cockburn Chat, Palmyra People, Kensington Connect. Moving companies or Bunnings have wardrobe boxes so you can simply hang all your current clothes. Zip lock bags are very helpful. In a variety of sizes They help collect like-items: pens, cards, medicine, hair items, phone chargers, toiletries, coins. Better to have too many boxes than too few. Don’t forget a pad of paper, a couple of really good markers, scissors and some post it notes. Heavy things (books, plates and dishes etc) go in smaller boxes. Lighter items (cushions, pillows, quilts, doonas) go in large boxes. Get plenty of mid size boxes and bear in mind someone (you?) must be able to pick up that loaded box. Consider mixing your heavy books with a couple of space sucking pillows to keep the weight reasonable. Heavy things on the bottom, lighter things on the top. Don’t leave gaps at the top because a box placed on top will crush the one underneath. Wrap your precious things in towels or old t-shirts, sweaters or socks. Loose items will move around in the box and that’s where breakages occur. Plenty of padding and no gaps. Try not to use black bin bags. They tend to rip, your items will shift around causing damage, and more than once someone’s precious pillows have been relegated unknowingly to the tip. Write a brief inventory on each box - ‘small kid toys’ or ‘photo albums’ or ‘kitchen pantry, spices’ will help considerably when unpacking. Label with the destination, the room you want it unpacked in- Master bedroom, pantry, garage etc. You don’t want to move these boxes twice. Don’t forget to write on all four sides (not the top) to help with unloading. Number the boxes and keep a master list. One sheet with 63 box contents will be very helpful down the track. Your important or valuable items don’t need to be advertised on the side of the box. You will have a list which tells you, Box 8 is where the diamonds are. Make an essential box with cereal and a couple of bowls and spoons, tea kettle, mugs and tea bags, kids favourite cuddly toy and book, dogs bowl, phone chargers, medicine, tooth brushes and tooth paste, a roll of loo paper… pack a box with what is essential in your first few hours of being in the new home. Add an essential change of clothes. Even if it's just fresh undies and a clean t-shirt, it will help. Don’t forget a box with a pillow and linens (or sleeping bags) for the bed, and towels and toiletries for your first shower in the new home. These boxes go with you in the car. If the moving van doesn’t make it, or if you are travelling a long way and get separated, these few boxes will be a life saver. You might THINK you will unpack everything the minute you take possession of the new house, but it’s unlikely to actually happen. Take photos of the back of the electronics, stereo, tv etc, and stick labels on each electrical cord and it's port or destination. Unless you have a fourteen-year-old, who will likely be able to do it without looking. Label pieces if you are dismantling furniture too. I know you imagine you will remember that you need to put the legs on last, but after 24 hours of unpacking you will likely forget. If you are moving a long distance, interstate or overseas, consider your important documents such as passports, birth certificates, repeat prescriptions, jewellery or your dads medals. Consider keeping those items with you either to carry on the plane, or in a lockable suitcase. Take photos of everything. Back up your phone and computer too. Would be a shame if you lost everything because of a slippery grip Quick packing tips Put a cotton ball on top of your blush and close the lid, avoids breakage. Take the lid off liquids, wrap with cling film and put the lid back on again. This prevents a box full of spilled olive oil/ bleach. Pack plates vertically, like old records and they will be less likely to break. Keep screws or curtain hooks in small zip lock bags. Start a few weeks early to at least get your head in order, if not your packing! Be hyper vigilant about your pets too. They may sense something is going on, and can become stressed with all the activity. Pay extra attention and maybe consider a doggy sleepover at the kennels or a relative. Written by Carol Jennings & Linda Healey
Feb 7, 2018
Proposed amendment to the RTA: furniture affixed to walls
The Department of Mines Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) is drafting amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) so tenants will be permitted to affix furniture to walls in rented premises to protect children from the risk of falling items. You may have seen in the media that a child died from injuries sustained when a set of drawers fell on them as a consequence of attempting to climb using the drawers as a ladder. The WA Coroner made recommendations that the RTA be amended. The DMIRS is proceeding with the amendment and has sought input from REIWA about where it would be deemed reasonable for consent to be withheld. DMIRS has suggested that, for example, it would be reasonable for consent to be withheld if the alteration would damage asbestos building material or if the premises are heritage listed. We have concerns with studded walls where an inappropriate ‘anchor’ point may not provide sufficient strength and may result in unnecessary damage if the ‘anchor’ is pulled out. The prime implications of the change will be who has to insert the ‘anchor’ points and the disputes at the termination of the tenancy with removing the ‘anchor’ points and making good the wall, especially if the existing paint cannot be matched.
Dec 14, 2017
Tenant of the Month November 2017
We are super thrilled to announce November's winners for Tenant of the Month! These tenants moved into our home at the beginning of the year and with a bit of guidance and education they are truly making an effort to look after this property, we are so happy with these tenants! They have made us proud throughout the tenancy with communication, their constant effort on keeping the house clean and tidy and we love seeing them every week without fail to pay their rent! Well done to you three... you totally deserve this award!
Nov 7, 2017
Tenant of the Month - October 2017
Congratulations to Sharon & Karen! These lovely ladies have been long term tenants since September 2011 and are the ultimate "ideal tenants"! It is a wonderful moment when the team come bouncing into the office to advise that they have a nomination for Tenant of the Month and this is exactly what they did after their recent routine inspection! Congratulations Sharon & Karen, we hope that you enjoy our token of appreciation and a night out at the movies on us!
Nov 6, 2017
Protecting Children
A recent coronial inquest was held into the death of a 22 month old boy, who tragically died at his family’s Yokine home in October 2013. Forensic pathologists found that the boy had died of injuries he suffered when the 1.25m tallboy he was climbing on toppled onto him. During the inquest the boy’s mother gave evidence that before the tragedy she had asked her landlord to allow her to bolt the tallboy to a wall but her request had been denied. Small children tend to climb on freestanding bookshelves, drawers, wardrobes and sideboards and if they are unsecured the child’s weight can cause them to topple. Furniture units over a metre tall and any unstable furniture should be secured using angle braces or anchors screwed into the wall. Landlords have a responsibility to ensure that rental premises are safe to live in. Under common law, landlords have a duty of care to tenants, as well as to anyone the tenant invites into the property. As you would be aware, under Western Australian tenancy law, tenants can be prohibited from affixing fixtures, renovating, altering or amending a home OR they can be allowed to, on a case-by-case basis with consent. Consumer Protection encourages landlords and property managers to give tenants the permission to anchor furniture in a bid to protect children. It is important to remember that a hole in a wall can be patched or repaired at the end of a rental agreement, but a child’s life cannot be replaced. As evidenced above, unstable furniture can tip over when a child climbs or pulls on it. If the furniture falls on top of a child it can cause serious injuries or be fatal. Between 2000 and 2015, at least 14 children under the age of 9 died in Australia after domestic furniture fell on them, with many more presenting to hospitals with serious injuries. SOURCE: Consumer Protection Bulletin
Oct 9, 2017
Tenant of the Month - September 2017
Congratulations Andrew & Brenda for winning Tenant of the Month for September 2017. It is lovely to see how well you are looking after your home and garden. Rent has been on time and you are a lovely couple to communicate with. Thanks again for being wonderful tenants Andrew & Brenda....... enjoy a night out at the movies on us!
Aug 28, 2017
How To Present Your Rental Property To Gain Tenant Retention
In today’s rental market we are seeing an all time high currently sitting at 7.3% vacancy rate! Landlords are urged to meet the rental market in terms of rent as well as renovating your rental property for maximum attraction. We’ve put together our Property “TOP TIPS” for renovating/presenting your rental property for maximum tenant attraction and retention. Air-conditioning & Ceiling Fans Without a doubt the most commonly requested item(s) by both sitting and prospective tenants. Providing tenants with sufficient, energy efficient heating & cooling for your home is very important Dishwasher For some tenants this can be a real deal breaker. Whilst some kitchen layouts may not accommodate in present state, if you’re considering a kitchen renovation in the future, put this must have item at the top! Window Furnishings Verticals, venetians, curtains, romans, timber slats or roller blinds? There’s a huge selection to choose from and we would suggest keeping it uniform and compliant. There are some great “modern” roller blinds on the market that have a simple chain mechanism to open & are easy to wipe clean. Alternatively new curtains from the ongoing Spotlight sales is an easy fix to modernise a home and give it the "home feeling". Storage, Storage & Storage Built in wardrobes, kitchen cupboard space, garden shed storage are all highly desired and a must for tenants with a family. For older style homes that typically have minimal in-built storage, adding attic storage could be a cost-effective option. Also, consider free standing cupboards and robes which can be very inexpensive and reduce wear when moving in and out of the property. Remote Garage Something as simple as not having a remote garage will prevent a tenant taking up residence in your home. These little 'easier life hacks' will ensure they remain more comfortable in your home for longer. Tiling/Grout Nothing can be more off putting to a prospective tenant than dirty, scum filled grout to remind them of the previous occupancy. Re-grouting or professional cleaning of grout can make the world of difference and improve appearance of your bathroom ten-fold. Low Maintenance Gardens Whilst low maintenance reticulated gardens are very popular among renters offering a regular garden maintenance service for those time poor tenants can be super attractive. Don't overcapitalize in this areas but low maintenance plants and easy care gardens or potted plants is an easy way to bring in colour to courtyards and give that "home feel'! Painting Having your property painted with no signs of settlement cracks or chips to the walls shows the property is well cared for and will also attract like minded tenants. Re-Surface Cupboards & Handles By replacing handles to doors or cupboards is an inexpensive way to modern older parts of your home without carrying out a full renovation. Replacing chipped cupboard doors in kitchens or even painting them can brighten up any home. Remember, if you invest in capital items for your investment property, you should be updating your depreciation schedule and ensuring that you claim the maximum possible depreciation.
Aug 22, 2017
A Staggering 40% Of Property Investors Have The Wrong Insurance!
There are more than two million property investors in Australia, owning around 27 per cent of all housing stock in the country and providing homes for almost 31 per cent of the population who are renters. Yet an alarming number of landlords don’t have the right insurance. Figures from the Landlords’ Advisory Service reveal that 40 per cent of landlords do not have specialised landlord insurance. Consequently, many landlords are leaving themselves at risk financially. While many landlords have insurance for their investment properties, often it is only a standard home and contents policy. Building insurance typically covers the bricks and mortar of the property, and is likely to cover events like fire or flooding. Contents insurance covers the policyholder’s belongings (e.g. carpets, curtains and furniture) in the property against damage and theft. Apartment owners often rely on strata insurance, which covers the physical building but not the contents. (Word to the wise: Depending on the cover details, using a standard policy designed for a homeowner for a rental could actually see the insurance voided as there are often exclusions for premises used for income-generating or commercial purposes.) None of these policy types will generally cover investors for damage or risks associated with renting out their properties. Without specialised landlord cover, tenant damage (accidental or malicious) or theft of the owner’s property by the tenant is not covered. Liability, in the event that the tenant or someone else hurts themselves while on the property, may be excluded. Importantly, only specialist policies cover loss of rent. If a tenant fails to pay their rent, the landlord can face significant losses. Even if the landlord is granted permission to retain some or even all of the bond, often it’s is less than the out-of-pocket expenses the landlord has suffered. The eviction process often takes months, during which time the landlord receives no rent and may also incur legal expenses. Generally neither the lost rent nor other expenses are recouped through the eviction process and the landlord has to take the tenant to civil court for compensation (a time-consuming, costly and often fruitless exercise).