MICM Tentant Rights and
Responsibilties
How do I get started?
MICM Property has the
largest rental portfolio of inner city Melbourne apartments and real estate. Our
website, which is updated daily, offers the the best place to search for rental
properties to suit your needs ......and budget. Our specialist leasing team are
dedicated to finding tenants their perfect home and can be contacted seven days
a week on (03) 9697 8800 to discuss your rental requirements.
How do I inspect a property?
MICM Property
conducts open for inspections on a weekly basis and a list of weekend open for
inspection times are available on our website from mid-week onwards. Our leasing
team recognises that it is often difficult for prospective tenants to make it to
scheduled open times and will generally accommodate “by appointment” inspections
to suit your schedule.
How do I apply for a property?
Once you have found
and inspected a suitable property, you will need to lodge a Tenancy Application
Form. When inspecting properties, it is a good idea to bring along reference
details and identification in the event you would like to fill in a Tenancy
Application Form on the day.
I require a furnished property. What are my
options?
We have a limited number of furnished properties for
rent. View the full list of furnished properties here. Alternatively, if there
is an unfurnished apartment that you prefer, we can arrange for it to be partly
or fully furnished within 24 to 48 hours, and the additional cost can be
included in your rent.
What is a Residential Tenancy Agreement?
When your
application to lease a property has been accepted, you will be asked to sign a
Residential Tenancy Agreement (or lease), in keeping with the Residential
Tenancies Act 1997. This is a legal contract between you and the landlord that
details the terms and conditions of the tenancy. The Residential Tenancy
Agreement will include items such as the property address, rental amount, and
commencement and end date of the tenancy.
How long will it take for my Tenancy Application to be
processed?
On receipt of your Tenancy Application, one of our
staff will contact you within 1-2 working days to advise if your application has
been successful.
How much money do I pay when commencing a
lease?
Before moving into the property, you will be asked to pay
the first month’s rent in advance, as well as a refundable bond which is usually
equal to six weeks rent if the weekly rent is more than $350 per week, or one
month’s rent if the weekly rent is under $350 per week. Your first month’s rent
and bond must be paid to us by bank cheque. The bond is held by a centralised
government body called the Residential Tenancy Bond Authority (RTBA). You will
be asked to sign a Bond Lodgement Form to lodge the bond with the RTBA. The RTBA
will send you a receipt within 14 days of bond lodgement.
What options are available for payment of my
rent?
MICM Property only accepts Direct Debit payments, allowing
you to pay your rent from the account of your choice on the due date.
Do I have to pay for anything other than rent?
You
must connect all the services to the premise such as the water, gas and
electricity. If you would like a telephone line you will need to arrange for
this to be connected and pay the relevant connection fee. It is also advisable
to arrange contents insurance to cover your personal possessions in case of
theft or damage.
What is a Condition Report?
Prior to moving in to the
property, your property manager will supply you with two copies of the Condition
Report, which details the condition of the property. Once you have moved in, it
is important to check that the Condition Report accurately reflects the
condition of the property. Any changes should be noted on the Condition Report
and a signed copy returned within three days of move in. Your property manager
will refer to the Condition Report at the end of the tenancy to determine
whether you are eligible for a full bond refund.
Can the rent be increased during the lease?
The
rent is set for the fixed term of the lease agreement, however ,after the fixed
term has expired the rent can be increased by the agent or landlord by giving
the tenant 60 days notice in writing. There must be at least six months between
each rental increase.
What are the regulations regarding property
inspections?
Agents or landlords have the right to make one
general inspection every six months, however, not within the first three months
of tenancy. Twenty four hours written notice must be provided before an
inspection. Inspections may also be conducted for other purposes such as for
repairs or maintenance, or to show the property to prospective buyers.
What do I do if a maintenance issue arises?
MICM’s
dedicated maintenance team provides a speedy and professional response to all
maintenance issues. If repairs or maintenance are required, you will need to
lodge a maintenance request, . Further information regarding maintenance
procedures will be provided to you at the time of lease sign up.
Do I have to give notice when I want to vacate the rented
premise?
You must give twenty eight days written notice when
ending a tenancy agreement. A vacate notice can be completed and submitted via
our website.
Can I vacate before the end of my lease?
You can
vacate a property before the end of your lease, however you must pay any costs
in finding a new tenant, and rent until the new tenant moves in.
How do I get my bond back from the Residential Tenancy Bond
Authority (RTBA)?
Your property manager will arrange for a Bond
Claim form to be signed and sent to the RTBA. The RTBA then transfers the bond
money to your bank account. If there is damage to the property, or rent owing,
the landlord may claim some or all of the bond.
Be sure to read our handy
moving checklist guide