Refugee Tenancy Training Kit English

8/14/2019 Refugee Tenancy Training Kit English

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The Key to Your Door . . .

proudly funded by . . .

Proudly funded by the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA),Interlink Housing & Support Association Inc. and Acces Services Inc.

Assisting refugee communities tounderstand rental tenancy

The Key to Your Door . . .The Key to Your Door . . .The Key to Your Door . . .The Key to Your Door . . .

A Guide to SuccessfulTenancy . . .


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IntroductionThis booklet has been designed to assist members ofsix new emerging culturally and linguisticallydiverse (CALD) communities in the Logan/Gold Coastregions. It aims to help them understand the rights andresponsibilities of rental tenancy.

Funded by Queenslands Residential TenanciesAuthority (RTA) through their Community EducationPublic Grants Scheme, Interlink Housing & SupportAssociation Inc. and Acces Services Inc. , the researchbase for this booklet was gaining first-hand knowledgeabout the REAL issues CALD communities face when

renting a property. This project was managed by InterlinkHousing & Support Association Inc.

The support and cooperation from six refugeecommunities within the Logan/Gold Coast regionsthroughout this project was very much appreciated;important information obtained through conversation,questionnaires and focus groups, all of which helped to

create this booklet - a resource aimed at educating andempowering CALD Communities, with the view to posi-tively impacting both the immediate and widercommunity.

DisclaimerThis publication is a simplified guide toQueenslands tenancy law. It is not a comprehensive

statement of law. You are encouraged to obtainassistance if you are unsure how these laws apply toyour situation.

The enclosed information was accurate at the time ofprinting and may be of use to relevant organisationsworking within CALD communities. However,organisations wishing to reproduce or alter thisdocument in any way should first contact Interlinkand the Residential Tenancies Authority for approval. 63

Repairs and Maintenance Form If it needs repairing...

Tap Stove Light globe

Shower Toilet Lock

Hot Water Door Window

Ceiling Light Roof Switch/power point

REPORT REPAIRS:0-6 monthsInterlink: 3808 2206 OR 0419 794 3916 months onwardslessor/agent or contact numbers listed onyour Lease Agreement


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Continued: Important Organisations to know . . .

Multilink 3808 4463

Tenancy Advice & AdvocacyService (TAAS) Logan 38261598

Tenancy Advice & AdvocacyService (TAAS) Gold CoastTwo service locations:Southport 5591 1102

Palm Beach 5598 3230

Tenants Union Queensland (TUQ)Outside Brisbane 1800 177 761Brisbane area 3257 1108

Translating & Interpreting

Services (TIS) 131 450

Residential Tenancies Authority 1300 366 311

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Table of Contents

Introduction..2Table of contents3

Acknowledgments..4Team5

Section 1Key Information for Finding a place to rentWhen you first arrive...7Renting from Interlink..8Renting in Queenslandthe Laws for renting.9Renting in Queensland- Rights & Responsibilities......10Where to find a new property to rent .11Applying for a new property to rent.12

Section 2Key Information for Successful Renting

Beginning a tenancy 15-17Paying rent 18-19Repairs and maintenance...20-25

Looking after your home inside and out ..26-34Property inspections35-37Problems you could have during a tenancy 38-40Mail & correspondence.. 41-42

Section 3Other tips for renting and living in a house in AustraliaSafety in the house.. 44-46

Household Bills...48Water restrictions are important ..49

Section 4Important words to understandAt the start of the tenancy52-52During the tenancy53-54If you are having problems with a tenancy.55At the end of a tenancy..56Other important things to know.57Important organizations to know.59-62


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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the followingorganisations for their helpthis bookletwould not have been possible without them:

-Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA)

Acces Services Inc.

BCAs (Bilingual Community Assistants)

Multicultural Families Organisation

Tenants Union of Queensland

Multicultural Development Association

Youth Family Services

Anglicare Refugee and Migrant Services(ARMS)

Elders Real Estate Woodridge & others

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Important Organisations to know . . .How to contact them (Logan/Gold Coast)

Acces Services Inc. 3808 9299

Department of Housing 3884 9800Logan

Department of Housing 5583 2200Gold Coast

Gold Coast Housing 5528 6650Company

Interlink Housing & Support 3808 2206Association Inc.

Multicultural Families 5571 0381Organisation (MFO)


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What they Do

Translation and Interpreting Service (TIS)Service to help tenants understand information intheir own language

Department of Housing

Government housing for people on a low income

Brisbane Housing CompanyGovernment housing for people on a low income

Interlink Housing & SupportAssociation Inc.Provides support, assistance and affordablehousing to people on low incomes

Continued: Important Organisations to know...

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Team

The team included people from diverse cultural

backgrounds who offered unique skills thatenriched the creation ofThe Key to Your Door:A Guide to Successful Tenancy.

Team members included:

- Sue Boothroyd (Project Coordinator)

- Jenny Schultz (Project Manager)

- Anne Siakisini (IHSS Accommodation Worker)

A special thank you to:

Valentina DimoskaSenior Community

Education Officer (Rental TenanciesAuthority)

BCAs (Bilingual Community Assistants)for the Burmese, Burundi, African, Somali,Afghani and Sudanese communities

Sylvia VallenderGraphics

David BrowningMentoring & technicalsupport


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Section 1

Key Information forfinding a place torent.

When you first arrive Renting from Interlink Renting in Queenslandthe Laws

for renting Renting in Queensland- Rights &

Responsibilities

Where to find a new property torent

Applying for a new property torent

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What they Do . . .

Residential Tenancy Authority (RTA)The RTA makes sure that both tenant andlessors understand and follow the rules of theResidential Tenancies Act 1994, by providinginformation about the rules for renting and safelykeeping the bonds for each tenancy

Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) A tribunal/court which deals with tenancy disputes

and other disputes about money below a certainamount

In most cases. you must first try to resolve yourdispute through the RTA before applying to theSmall Claims Tribunal; to have them make adecision about the dispute

Centrelink Government agency who gives money to help

the unemployed, sick, parents, migrants,refugees, and those with a disability

Tenants Union of Queensland (TUQ)

An agency that protects tenant rights

Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service (TAAS) Service providing support and information to

tenants Trained in the law for renting and can assist you

with information Come with you to the Small Claims Tribunal or the

RTA if you need help to discuss any problems youhave with your lessor

Important Organisations to know . . .


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Important Organisations toknow . . .

...What they do ...p60

...How to contact them...p62

7

Just arrived in Australia as a refugee?

*Interlink will find you a property to rent .

6 months onwardsRent directly throughlessor/agent

You will need to:- pay rent- pay bills (e.g. electricity)- pay rental bond- sign a lease agreement- sign a Bond Lodgement (Form 2)- fill in & sign Entry Condition Report (General Tenancies)

When You first Arrive

O6 months- Rent through Interlink (Fixed TermLease/6months)

You will need to:- pay rent- pay bills (e.g. electricity)- pay rental bond- sign a lease agreement (Form 18a)- sign a Bond Lodgement (Form 2)- fill in & sign an Entry Condition Report (Form1a )

1 month before your Fixed Term Lease expires,INTERLINK will help you decide if you want to:

1. Stay in the property you are renting OR2. Look for another property to rent

Good Tips for Tenants:If you stay in the same property and sign another

Tenancy Agreement (Form 18a), you DO NOT have to fillin another Entry Condition Report (Form 1a)


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Tenant

InterlinkHousing &Support

Lessor Agent

There is a PROCESS for paying your rent.

You (tenant) will pay Interlink(from your Centrelink payments)

Interlink will pay the Agent

Agent will pay the Lessor/owner

Renting from Interlink

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Public HousingHouses or units for rent by the government and rented outto low income earners at a lower rent than in the privatesector.

Private Sector Rental

Properties for rent that are owned by individuals who rentthem out directly or pay a real estate agent to managethem

Maintenance Lodgement FormA form you can use at Interlink and with yourlessor to report repairs that need to be completed.This is not a legal RTA form, but can help you

explain to your lessor/agent what is wrong.

CentrepayMoney you agree to be taken from your Centrelinkpayment to pay for household bills (example: rent,telephone, electricity)

Family Tax Benefit A&BCentrelink payment to help raise a child/children.

UnemployedSomeone who does not have a job they are beingpaid money for

Other Important Things to Know . . .


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Continued: Important words tounderstand . . . at the end of a tenancy

Refund of Rental Bond(Form 4)A form to claim back bond at the end of yourtenancy

Notice to Leave (Form 12)A tenant receives this form if they have breached theirTenancy Agreement and NOT fixed the problem in theseven daysafter they received a Notice to RemedyBreach (Form 11)

Notice of Intention to Leave (Form 13)A form to say the tenant intends to leave the propertythey are renting.

Fixed Term Agreementthe tenant must give 2weeks notice, 2 weeks prior to the expiry date of theagreementPeriodic Agreementthe tenant must give 2 weeksnotice anytime

Exit Condition Report (Form 14a)A form which the tenant fills out at the end of the

tenancy which shows the condition of the place whenthey leave; to record whether items in the property areclean, working, undamaged (example: stove). Thisform is compared with the Entry Condition Report.

Good Tips for Tenants:Protect your bondif you damage the property or

do not pay your rent, the lessor/agent will keepsomeor all of your Bond! 9

Renting in QueenslandThe Laws for Renting . . .

Whether you are renting from Interlink, from otherpublic housing or privately, there is a law in

Queensland about renting.

This law sets out what lessors and tenants can andcant do when renting.

Below are some of the words you will hear or see whenyou are renting or when you read this book .

The Residential Tenancies Act 1994This is the law that sets out the rules forrenting in Queensland:

AgentSomeone who looks after a property for alessor/owner

Real Estate AgentManages a property for the lessor/owner

TenantA person who is paying rent to legally live in a house or unit

TenancyWhen you have signed a tenancy agreement and arepaying rent for your home, you have a tenancy. A tenancyhas a beginning and an end .

LessorOwner of a property that is being rented


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Renting in Queensland

Rights and Responsibilities under the law

TENANT is responsible for:

Living in a property according to the conditions agreedwith the lessor in the Tenancies Agreement

Paying rent on time (amount agreed on lease) Keeping the property clean INSIDE and OUTSIDE Not making too much noise in your neighbourhood Reporting any damage or need for maintenance to the

lessor/agent Not using the house for anything against Australian

law Making sure you or your visitors do not

deliberately damage the property Paying for any damages you make

LESSOR/AGENT is responsiblefor:

Keeping the property safe and livable Fixing repairs when required Allowing you to live in the property as your home for

the time stated on lease Not entering your home without giving you correct

notice in writing Supplying keys for the property Making sure the bond is lodged with the RTA

Good Tips for Tenants:The (RTA) uses a free interpreter service. If you need to

call the RTA, ring the Translating and InterpreterService(131 450 ) - ask to be connected to the RTA inQueensland.

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DisputeDisagreement or difference of opinionbetween at least two people

BreachWhen the rules of the General TenancyAgreement have not been followed by thetenant or the lessor/agent

Rent ArrearsRent money is not paid on time

Dispute resolutionThis is a free and confidential serviceprovided by the RTA to tenants andlessors who want to discuss their disputeand come to an agreement. You can put ina request for dispute resolution by sendingin a Form 16 to the RTA. You can chooseto have a friend or support worker speakon your behalf to the RTA

Dispute Resolution Request (Form 16)A form to be completed when you want theRTA to assist you about a dispute

Continued: Important words toUnderstand . . .

if you are having problems with atenancy

Good Tips for Tenants:Always speak with your lessor/agent if you have a

problem when you are renting, or find someone who canspeak on your behalf.


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Continued: Important words tounderstand .

during a tenancy

Property InspectionThe lessor/agent can inspect the property every 3months to record how the tenant is looking after theproperty, and to see if repairs are needed. This is agood time for the tenant to inform the lessor/agent of

any repairs or concerns.

Entry Notice (Form 9)Form given to the tenant so the lessor/agent can do:1) a property inspection (7 days notice) or2) maintenance repairs (24 hours notice)

Mail & CorrespondenceLetters received in the mail

Good Tips for Tenants:

Keep your property clean always, and not just when youhave a property inspection. 11

Work out how much you can afford topay on rent

Ask the Real Estate Agent for their propertylisting

Look at the property from the street See if you like the neighbourhood that the

property is in

When Looking for a New Property

To Rent

Real Estate Agent Newspaper Friend TO LET or TO RENT sign Internet

WHERE to find a new property to rent:

Good Tips for Tenants:If you dont have a car, make sure the property you are

looking to rent is near public transport


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APPLYING for a new property to rent:

Fill in an application form with your:

Name Current address Previous rental address Contact details How many people will be renting property (names/

ages) Employment/income details 100 credit points of identification ( e.g. Medicare card) Centrelink card, passport, electricity bill with your name

on it) Pets names and how old Referencefor example: a letter from a previous

lessor/agent saying if you followed the rules ofyour Tenancy Agreement (e.g. if you paid your rent ontime)

Good Tips for Tenants:Ask someone to help you fill in an application form

if you are having problems or need help 53

Continued: Important words toUnderstand...

during a tenancy

RentMoney paid regularly to live in a property that thetenant does not own

Part Payment of Rental Bond(Form 7)

A form to say how much extra bond a tenant paysif the rent increases

MaintenanceLooking after something regularly (example: mowing thelawns or vacuuming the carpets regularly)

RepairsFixing something that is broken

Notice of Lessors Intention to Sell Premises(Form 10)A form to let the tenant know the lessor/agentintends to sell the property they are renting

Good Tips for Tenants:If you dont understand something about renting, ask

your lessor/agentthey are there to help you.


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Continued: Important words tounderstand .

at the start of a tenancy

Bond LoanMoney borrowed from Department of Housing to pay forRental Bond. This money MUST be paid back

Bond Lodgement(Form 2)Form signed by you and the lessor that is sent to theRTA by the lessor with your bond money. This form isheld by the RTA with the tenants rental bond moneyuntil the end of the tenancythe tenant or lessor canthen apply to have the bond paid back to them

Entry Condition Report(Form 1a)A form the tenant completes at the beginning of thetenancy to record whether items in the property are

clean, working, undamaged (example: stove).This form is compared with the Exit Condition Reportof the previous tenant and compared with your ExitCondition Report at the end of your tenancy.

Renting a home: a tenants guide to the rules forrenting in Queensland(Information Statement

Form 17a)

Tenant information about the law and the rules forrenting in Queensland. You should be given acopy of this Form by the lessor/agent when youstart your tenancy


Vacuuming carpets regularly reduces dust. 13

Section 2Key Information forSuccessful Renting

Beginning a tenancy Paying Rent Repairs and maintenance Property Inspections Problems you could have during

your tenancy

Mail and Correspondence


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1: Beginning a tenancy ...15

Tenancy Agreement

Entry Condition report

2.Paying Rent ....18

Methods of paymentImportant Tips

3.Repairs .& Maintenance .......20

Repairs ...Reporting Repairs & MaintenanceHow to ask for HelpRepairs & Maintenance FormsCommon Repairs

Emergency Repairs

Maintenance .Looking after your property in- sideand out

4.: Property Inspections......35

PreparationProperty Inspections..

Who TO let In...Who NOT TO let in

5. Mail & Correspondence..40

- What to do with correspondence?- Who to speak with 51

Important words toUnderstand . . .

at the start of a tenancy

General Tenancy Agreement(Form 18a)A legal agreement between the tenant and lessor/agent.When you sign the tenancy agreement, you are agreeingto live in the property according to the rules in theAgreement .

Fixed Term AgreementA set time a tenant rents a property (example: 6 or 12months)

Periodic AgreementA tenant rents a property for NO SET TIME. There is a

start date but NO END DATE. A periodicagreement starts when a fixed term agreementexpires and the tenant does NOT sign a new fixedterm agreement

Rental BondMoney paid at the beginning of tenancy, and sent to theRTA by the lessor. This is NOT rent. At the end of the

tenancy you can apply to have the RTA return yourbond to you. The lessor/agent may also apply to keepsome or all of the rental bond for damages to theproperty, or if you are in rent arrears when you leavethe property.

Good Tips for Tenants:The Residential Tenancies Act 1994 protects yourrights and the lessors rights


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Household Bills

Connections

Logan & Gold Coast Areas

Telstra Ph: 132200OriginPh: 131253

Emergency (no electricity)

Ph:131253

Natural Gas/ example AGLPh: 1300 309 132

Bottle Gas/ORIGIN Ph: 1300 308 624(Maintenance fee = one off fee)

Electricity Ph:1300 308 624

0-6 months Interlink will pay for yourelectricity/gas connection or security deposit fee

6 months onwards you will need to pay for yourtelephone, electricity/gas connection or securitydeposit fee


Remember to pay bills on time. If you dont,your electricity/gas or telephone may be CUT OFF. 17

Beginning a tenancy

Important tips to remember . . .

1) NEVER SIGN A BLANK FORM

2) NEVER SIGN ANYTHING UNLESS YOUUNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE

SIGNING

3) KEEP A COPY OF EVERYTHINGYOU SIGN IN A SAFE PLACE


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Paying Rent . . .

Methods of payment:

Rent Card(from the lessor/agent)

Centrepay(from Centrelink payments)

Direct Debit (from bank)

Money Order(from post office)

Deposit Book (from Agent )

Cash (if lessor/agent accepts cash, try and havecorrect amount)

Good Tips for Tenants:KeepALL receipts & papers in a safe place

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For more information aboutsafety,you could call:

Brisbane Council 3403 8888

Gold Coast City Council 5582 8211

Origin 131253

Department of Emergency Services

3247 8100


It is important to keep your home and your family safe.


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Emergencies ONLY! Dial 000

Continued: Safety in the House . . .

Locks (X= NO) ( = YES)

Hot Water

Lock doors and windows when you are not at

home

Keep security doors locked when you are at

home

DO NOT put hands or body under hot

water (It can BURN) X A leaking hot water tap needs

repairing


Remember to turn all electrical items off before goingout or to bed 19

Continued: Paying Rent

Important Tips . . .

ALWAYS speak with the lessor/agent FIRST if you wantto change the way you pay your rent (example: you paycash for your rent and you want to start paying your rentthrough direct debit from your bank account)

If you cant pay your rent, ALWAYS speak with yourlessor/agent

If your circumstances change (example: if you get a job orchange jobs, ALWAYS tell Centrelink, because this mayaffect your Centrelink payment

Good Tips for Tenants:If you are having trouble paying your rent, speak withyour lessor/agent to work out a payment plan


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Repairs & Maintenance . . .:

Maintenance (taking care of the property)

The lessor/agent is responsible for : making sure the

premises are fit to live in when the tenant moves in making sure everything is working and livable on the

property during the tenancy

The tenant is responsible for : keeping the property clean and in the condition it was

when they first moved in

Repairs

If there are any damages to the property the tenant should re-port them immediately to the lessor. There are some damagesthe lessor must repair and pay for. There are other damageswhich the tenant may have to pay for. Make sure you knowwho to contact in case of emergency repairs .

Good Tips for Tenants:Report Repairs Immediately! If you try to fix thingsyourself you may damage them moreyou will then

have to pay for those damages 45

Continued: Safety in the House . . .

Safety Tips: (X= NO) ( = YES)

DO NOT use electrical appliancesnear water (example: hair dryer)

DO NOT put metal utensils intotoaster

DO NOT leave burning candles

unattended

DO NOT put blankets or clothesNEAR or ON heater

DO NOT sit close to the heater

DO NOT plug power cord into powerpoint when ON

Turn heater OFF when leaving room

Turn heater off when NOT using

Blow candles out before leaving theRoom

Light gas with a gas lighter

X

X

X

X

X

X


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Good Tips for Tenants:Leaking taps WASTE WATER! You may have to pay forextra water if you use too much

Powerpoints

NEVER turn power points ON or OFF with wet

hands X Ask lessor/agent to re-place power points if

cracked or have brown/yellow marks on them

NEVER use electric appliances near water X

DO NOT use plastic containers

on hot stove X

USE metal containers on hot

stove

Safety in the House . . .

Electricity (X = NO) ( = YES)

Stove

NEVER put your hand on top of, or inside hot

stove X

When you are NOT cooking, turn stove knobs

OFF

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Continued: Repairs & Maintenance . . .

Examples of damages the tenant may have

to pay for:

Carpet damage(Iron burns, cigarette burns,children/animals weeing on carpet)

Broken window (throwing ball through window Holes in walls Tearing screen doors/windows Pipes blocked because wrong objects have been

put in

Examples of damages the lessor may haveto pay for:

Any damage you or your visitors DO NOT cause tothe property. For example: leaking roof broken pipes Stove, hot water system, electricity doesnt

work properly

Good Tips for Tenants:DO NOT put nails or hooks in walls without gettingpermission from the lessor/agent FIRST


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Continued: Repairs & Maintenance .. .

How to ask for help?

Find a person who can speak English andask them to help you fill in a maintenanceform and take it to:

- Interlink (0-6months)- Community Leader (always)- Lessor/agent (after 6 months)- BCA (always)

Remember . . .

If you dont understandsomething; ask for HELP . . .

Where?

* Interlink(06 months)* lessor/agent( after 6 months)* Community leader(always)* BCA (always)* Acces Services Inc. (always)* Multicultural Families Organisation (MFO)

(always)*Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) (always)*Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service (always)

Good Tips for Tenants:The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) uses a freeinterpreter service. If you need to call the RTA, ring theTranslating and Interpreter Service (131 450 ) andask tobe connected to the RTA in Queensland 43

Section 3Other Tips for rentingand living in a housein Australia ...

Safety in the house

Household bills

Water restrictions

Please note: The information in thissection is NOT tenancy law but isprovided to help tenants understandsome important points about living in a house in

Australia.


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Continued: Mail & Correspondence

Small Claims Tribunal (SCT)

Department of Housing

Centrelink

You could receive letters from Interlink ...

About:

Your leaseYour rentDisrupting the neighbourhoodKeeping your home clean and tidy

Important!

If you receive a letter from theSmall Claims Tribunal:

1) Attend the court hearing date (you can give yourpoint of view)

2) Take someone with you who can speak andunderstand English

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Continued: Repairs and maintenance . . .

Reporting repairs & maintenance

1.When renting from Interlink (06 months inAustralia)

When renting from Interlink there is a PROCESS for repairsand maintenance.

Step 1: Tenant reports repairs & maintenance to Interlink

Step 2: Interlink reports repairs & maintenance to theAgent (Interlink is ONLY responsible for fixing tenant

damage)

Step 3: Agent reports repairs & maintenance to the lessor(Agents are responsible for fixing everything else)

2. When renting privately from a Lessor/Agent(6 months onwards)

When renting privately there is a PROCESS forrepairs and maintenance.

Step 1: Tenant reports repairs & maintenance to Agent

Step 2: Agent reports repairs & maintenance to thelessor

Step 3: Lessorapproves repair and Agent arrangesto have things fixed

Good Tips for Tenants:Your agent or lessor may have a special form to fill outfor reporting maintenance .You can also use the formon page 63 if you find it helpful


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Continued: Repairs & Maintenance . . .Common Repairs

Leaking/dripping tap

No light? Light globe may need changing

Shower rose falls down

screen door/fly screen torn

Check smoke alarm every 6 months

Change battery every 612 months ifnecessary

Good Tips for Tenants:If you decide to change a light bulb yourself ALWAYSturn the electricityofffirst 41

Mail & Correspondence

IMPORTANT!

Try and read your mailIf you cant read your mail, speakwith someone who can help you withinthe next day (24 hours)

Who to speak with?...

Interlink Housing & Support (0-6 months) Lessor/agent (after 6 months) Community Leader (always) BCA (always) Case Worker (always) MFO (always) Acces Services Inc.

Tenant mail you could receive . . .

Entry Notice (Form 9)

Notice to Remedy Breach (Form 11)

Notice to Leave (Form 12)

Notice of Lessors Intention to Sell(Form 10)

Letter from owner/agent saying your lease is aboutto expire

Good Tips for Tenants:Check your mail boxevery day!There may be importantinformation, and you may have to take action straight

away.


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Problems you could haveduring a tenancywhat youcan do . . .

If you receive a Notice to Leave (Form 12) orNotice to RemedyBeach (Form 11) and you disagree with the lessor about theproblem, you can contact the RTA and apply for DisputeResolution

The RTA can help you with a dispute.

You can speak with the RTA oryou canhave someone speak on your behalf

You can sign a form giving permission for

another person to speak on your behalf.

The RTA is bound by the PRIVACY ACT.

Anything you say will beCONFIDENTIAL

Good Tips for Tenants:If you need help to resolve your dispute or to speak withyour lessor, you can also call tenant advice and

advocacy services listed in the back of this book. 25

Continued: Repairs & Maintenance . .Emergency Repairs

Gas or electricity

Broken Element

Blocked toilet/toilet doesnt flush

Broken Window

No Hot WaterFIRST . . .1) go to meter box2) If switch to hot water is OFF,

click to ON. If switch staysON: Wait for water to heat. Ifwater doesnt heat; report to

lessor/agent.3) If switch to hot water is OFF,

and when clicked to ONdoes not stay on; report tolessor/agent .

Good Tips for Tenants:People to contact for emergency repairs should be

listed on your Lease Agreement.


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Looking After your home inside andout . .

It is the tenants responsibility to keep the house clean and in areasonable condition . Everybody has different ideas about whatclean means, but the next few pages will give you an idea ofsome of the things in your home and ways you can clean them.Remember that allowing stains to set into a carpet or mould toset into the bathroom may result in you losing some of yourbond.

Where can you buy cleaning products? From the supermarket

What products should you use to clean? ONLY recommended productssee

instruction label on product, or ask for help

Environmentally friendly products ..

Vinegar mixed with water can help to remove mould

Dampened small paintbrush can be used to cleanwindow tracks

Bicarbonate of sodasprinkled onto a damp cloth, itcan be used in place of a cream cleanser

Bicarbonate of sodasprinkle on carpet beforevacuuming to remove smells

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Continued: Problems you could haveduring a tenancy . . .what youcan do

Notice to Remedy Breach (Form 11)This form can be used by tenants and lessors

it can be given to the tenant when they have not

followed the rules of the General Tenancy Agreement(example: not paid their rent on time or if they havedisturbed the peace of the Neighborhood.

the tenant has 7 days to fix the problem

it can also be given to the lessor/agent by the tenant ifthey have not followed the rules of the GeneralTenancy Agreement (example: you have reported yourbroken shower nozzle to the lessor many times andthe problem has not been fixed).

the lessor/agent has 7 days to repair theproblem if you issue the lessor with aNotice to Remedy Breach (Form 11)

Good Tips for Tenants:It is a good idea to speak with your lessor/agentFIRST to try and work out any problems before you

give them a Notice to Remedy Breach (Form 11)

Looking After your home inside and


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Problems you could have duringa tenancy . . .

There may be problems during your tenancyif for example:

You . . .are late in paying your rent have not mowed the lawn and the grass is very high

The Lessor . . .

comes into your home without giving you written notice doesn't fix something after you have asked them to doso repeatedly

If these sort of things happen . . .

You or the Lessor can:

talk to each other and try to come to an understanding give the other person a Notice to Remedy Breach(Form 11)

put a Dispute Resolution (Form 16) into the RTA andsee if they can help you and the lessor sort out yourproblem

Good Tips for Tenants: If you receive a Notice to Leave orRemedy Beach speak ,with your lessor/agentyou couldspeak with the RTA or TAAS to check that you have been

given the right amount of notice 27

Looking After your home inside andout . ...Lounge & Dining Room . . .

Cleaning and maintenance tips . . .

Put things away when you have used them Clean windows and sliding doors with glass

cleaner (for an extra shinewipe overwindows with crumpled newspaper)

Wipe up spills on the carpet as soon as

they happenit might prevent stains Try to vacuum carpet at least once a week Clean walls with cream cleanser or

recommended liquid (example sugar soap) Clean window tracks and sliding door tracks

with a dry old toothbrush and then wipe overwith wet paintbrush.

Vacuum Cleaner

Good Tips for Tenants:Vacuuming carpets regularly reduces dust and possiblystains

Looking After your home inside and continued: Property Inspections


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Ceiling Fan

Bed

Desk and Lamp

Chair

g yout . .Bedroom...

Good Tips for Tenants:Wash and change bed sheets and pillow cases every

week 37

YES

NO

PREPARING FOR A PROPERTY INSPECTION

Clean the property (your home) INSIDE...

Kitchen (example: Stove top and oven)All FloorsAll CarpetAll WallsAll CupboardsBathroom/ShowerBath TubBedrooms

Pick up & put away clothes in cupboards

Clean the property (your home) OUTSIDE...

Wheelie bin (always wrap scraps before placing in bin)Mow LawnsWeed GardensClean Windows

Looking After your property inside and


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Who to let in; Who NOT TO LET IN for aproperty inspection?

Do Let In...

someone you know OR

someone who shows you proper identification(example: is wearing a badge or shows you a businesscard)

Do Not Let In...

Someone who cannot identify themselves

Someone who has not given you an Entry Notice(you can let someone in without an Entry Notice ONLY ifyou agree)

Always CHECK...1. Who is written on Entry Notice (Form 9) to do

property inspection?

2. Where the person is from?

Good Tips for Tenants:If you dont know whos at your door, youcould say, Whats your name please? Where do you

come from? 29

Looking After your property inside andout . .Kitchen..

Cleaning and maintenance tips . . . Try to keep your kitchen clean and tidy

everyday Wash and put things away when you have used them Wash walls from the bottom to the top Sweep and mop the floor regularly so stains don't set in Mop tile floors with a product recommended for cleaning

tiles (DO NOT use a product on tiles that is recommendedfor cleaning wooden floors)

Good Tips for Tenants:ALWAYS put food away so you dont attract ANTS,

COCKROACHES, MICE and RATS


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Kitchen bench tops all purpose cleaner, cream cleanser

Stove/cook topscream cleanser, all purpose cleaner

Stove/ovenoven cleaner, all purpose cleaner, washing updetergent mixed with water

Kitchen utensils (example plates, cups, saucers, cutlery) washing up detergent

stove

microwave

cooking pot

electric jug

toaster

baking tray

refrigerator

35

Property Inspections . . .

WHAT FORM WILL YOU RECEIVE?

Entry Notice (Form 9).

WHAT WILL IT SAY?

Date of inspection

Who will be doing the inspection

Where the person comes from

NOTICE TO BE GIVEN?

Property Inspection 7 days notice

Maintenance repairs 24 hours notice

Good Tips for Tenants:You should receive an Entry Notice for a propertyinspection 7 days before the inspection.

fLooking After your home inside and


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Looking After your home inside andout . .Outside the home

Wheelie BinALWAYS wrap or put kitchen scraps in a bag BEFORE puttinginto Wheelie bin.

Rubbish bin Recycle Bin

Good Tips for Tenants:Ask your lessor/agent what day you need to put yourwheelie bin and re-cycle bin out to be emptied.

31

Cleaning and maintenance Tips

Vanitycream cleanser, all purpose cleanerMirrors glass cleanerShower screens/glassglass cleanerMould bleach

Toiletclean regularly with toilet brush and use cream cleanser,disinfectant, toilet cleanerFloor tilesa product recommended for cleaning tiles (DO NOTuse a product on tiles that is recommended for cleaning woodenfloors)Bath cream cleanser, all purpose cleaner

Showercream cleanser, bleach, all purpose cleaner

g yout ...Bathroom...

Good Tips for Tenants:Bicarbonate of sodasprinkled onto a damp cloth can be

used in place of a cream cleanser.

Looking after your homeL ki ft t i id d


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g yinside and out . . Laundry . . .


Clothes washing powder/liquid and fabric softener

Use ONLY the recommended amount of washingpowder/liquid to wash your clothes

Washing Machine and Dryer

Good Tips for Tenants:If you have a clothes dryer, clean the lint filter

regularly or it could become a fire danger 33

Whippersnipper

Flowers

Tree

Lawn Mower

Looking after your property inside andout . .OUTSIDE the home

Tips for outdoor Maintenance Check with your lessor to see if you are responsible for

looking after the garden and mowing the lawn If you are responsible for mowing but do not have a

mower, see if you can borrow one from a friend


It may be easier to hire someone to mow your lawnevery 4-6weeks. Your local community centre may knowof someone who can help you with this

Wheelbarrow

Refugee Tenancy Training Kit English

Documents