Open homes aren’t just about seeing a property, they’re also a valuable opportunity to ask the property manager some searching questions.
Here are some of the questions prospective tenants should consider asking.
1. Why is this property for rent?
People rent out their properties for many reasons. Most often it’s because the current tenant has moved on. But sometimes, here’s a reason that could impact you.
For instance, it could be that the owner lived there and they’re moving interstate or overseas for work but will be back within a year. Perhaps it’s a deceased estate and the family is leasing it for a while before they sell. Or it could be that a developer has bought it and is leasing it out while plans are approved.
Sometimes the reason a property is for lease will dictate the length of the lease you can negotiate. It will also tell you a little bit about the landlord’s intentions, and how likely you are to get to stay in the home for the long term.
2. How long can I sign a lease for and what’s the rent?
These are basic details that are often advertised in the rental listing and at the open home, but it always pays to check the amount and the lease length, to work out whether either is negotiable (it’s unlikely the rent would be negotiable in the current competitive market though).
3. How long did the previous tenants live here and why did they move?
A long tenure may reveal that the property has been a much loved home for the previous tenants. But a short tenure doesn’t necessarily mean the opposite. Perhaps the tenants have had to move on for work or family reasons, or to buy their own home.
But asking this question can give you a little insight into the property’s recent history.
4. Are there any disclosures or material facts I need to know?
In WA, agents are required to disclose ‘material facts’ about a property. These are anything a reasonable person should know about the home when they’re considering renting it (or buying it).
While there’s no specific legal definition of what constitutes a material fact, it could be something as simple as the fact that a property doesn’t have a washing line or there’s a proposed development next door. However, it could also be as complex (and rare) as a crime having been committed on the premises, or the property was used for manufacturing drugs (scary, but also uncommon).
5. Does the property need repairs and are there any ongoing maintenance issues I should be aware of?
Sometimes a landlord will use the time between tenants to undertake repairs or make small improvements. This may include general upkeep or new paint or carpet for the property.
Make sure you know if anything is planned, and when these will be carried out. If the property needs repairs, will the repairs be carried out before you move in? Likewise, find out if the property has any ongoing problems that you should know about? This may include hard-to-solve roof leaks, mould, pests or vermin.
6. Do any appliances or white goods come with the property?
Each rental property is different. This question applies to appliances and whitegoods like dishwashers, washing machines and dryers. Sometimes you may find other appliances included, particularly if they’re built-in to the property.
7. Is garden maintenance included or expected?
If you’re looking to rent a house with a garden, will you have to mow the lawn or has the landlord invested in a maintenance service? This can impact the price of rent, but also your downtime on the weekend.
8. What’s the situation with utilities?
Always ask about services and utilities. Is the internet or NBN already available (it usually is these days but it pays to check just in case).
Clarify who pays for what when it comes to water (e.g. does the property have an individual water meter) and also check if you have a choice of provider for other utilities like electricity and gas. In a large strata apartment building sometimes you will be restricted to a particular provider.
9. Are pets allowed?
This really is the million dollar question for many tenants. So, if you have pets, always ask if they’re allowed before signing on the dotted line.
10. Can I take some measurements to see if my furniture and appliances will fit?
All properties are different, and fitting your furniture into a new rental property can be a problem, particularly bulky items like large beds, couches, fridges and washing machines. Make sure you bring a tape measure and ask if you can take a few measurements so you can plan ahead.
11. Have any other offers been received?
Asking if any offers have been received will tell you about your competition, and if other people are interested too. It will also give you an indication on how fast you may need to act to secure the property. Right now, the Perth rental market is running hot, so you can assume others will be competing for the property too.
If applications have been made but rejected by the landlord, you can also then ask why? This can reveal useful additional information.
12. How long has the property been on the market?
If you’re a keen house-hunter chances are, you’ll have your finger on the pulse of new rental listings and know the answer already.
If a property has been sitting on the market for some time, it could mean the landlord has unrealistic expectations around price. They may also be open to negotiation. But. occasionally, a perfectly good property can sit on the market for no good reason at all.
13. Do you have any similar properties for lease and can you add me to your database for off-market rentals?
Asking the agent whether they have any similar properties for rent shows you’re keen, and could put you first in line for any similar new listings the agent gets.
In a competitive property market, a lot of properties lease off-market, via our database of interested tenants, before they are even advertised.
Want more?
Thinking of renting your next property? Get in touch with our experienced team today.
