Quality Property Management
Barlow McEwan Tribe First National is committed to providing you with the highest standards of professional property management to give you all the benefits of property investment, without the stress.
Our experienced, purpose-trained and highly organised property managers understand the importance of careful tenant selection, timely and honest communication, prompt and cost-effective maintenance, scheduled property inspections, legislation compliance, and regular rent reviews that ensure you enjoy the maximum return on your investment, and true peace of mind.
And while our advanced property management systems and technology are at the forefront of the industry, our success has been built on establishing and maintaining trusted, long-term partnerships with our landlords and tenants, based on our provision of expert, personalised advice and outstanding service.
Careful Tenant Selection
Getting the right tenant into your property can minimise tenant changes (and resulting vacancy periods), eliminate rent payment issues, and keep your property in the very best condition. Subsequently, we take great care with tenant selection – seeking those with a strong rental history, and stable, secure employment.
All tenants are required to complete a detailed application form and they must also supply recent, credible references. We screen and verify the accuracy of the information they have provided, via stringent background, reference, and employment/ business checks, along with applying practiced industry insight, to establish an appropriate tenant shortlist.
We will also ensure that the prospective tenant acknowledges their responsibilities, and will take proper care of your property – safeguarding your valuable asset.
Only the most suitable tenants are ever recommended, and ofcourse we will always consult you – and seek your authority – prior to placing a tenant in your property (unless you request otherwise).
Document Preparation
Barlow McEwan Tribe First National can handle all the necessary paperwork and pre-rental logistics necessary to ensure new tenants make a smooth transition into your property. We can:
- Prepare REIV-approved lease documents
- Prepare any special conditions pertinent to the property
- Complete a detailed condition report (with photos) of the property, including the condition of all rooms and fixtures, before the tenant moves in
- Provide the tenant with a copy of the Department of Consumer Affairs rental guide booklet, which explains the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords
- Supply an information pack to the tenant regarding your property, which clearly outlines the tenant’s responsibilities
- Collect the bond and complete the Bond Lodgement form, as required by the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority
- Provide the local water company with tenant details, to ensure usage charges are billed to the tenant correctly (providing the property is separately metered).
Inspections
Initial inspections to lease your property are carried out with a property manager; keys are not handed out to any prospective tenant
Routine inspections are carried out at regular intervals to ensure that the property is being cared for appropriately, and to check if any maintenance is required. We then provide you with updated inspection and progress reports on the tenancy.
For further peace of mind, each year Barlow McEwan Tribe First National can organise a professional inspection of your rental properties’ smoke detectors to check they are correctly positioned and working properly.
Rent Collection, Statements, and Arrears
Barlow McEwan Tribe First National collects rent on a monthly basis unless otherwise negotiated. A fully itemised statement is forwarded to you each month and an annual statement is provided at the end of each financial year. Copies of maintenance invoices are also provided for your income tax records and we automatically credit the monthly rental into a nominated bank account.
Our property managers make a daily check of arrears, and once a tenant is a number of days in arrears, they are contacted to arrange payment. If payment is not received within the week, the tenant will receive a warning that a final notice will be served if they do not meet their legally binding rental obligations. Should rent still be not be forthcoming, we will work to recover payments in accordance with the requirements of the relevant legislation, which can include an application to the Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Thanks to Barlow McEwan Tribes’ thorough tenant selection and payment processes, we experience very few problems with non-paying tenants.
Repairs and Maintenance
We listen to how you would like us to manage your property and arrange maintenance accordingly. In the case of non-urgent maintenance, we will either refer all matters to you before taking action, or organise the required repairs on your behalf up to an agreed cost.
Under the Residential Tenancies Act, certain repairs are considered to be of such a serious nature that action must be taken immediately. The limit for these urgent repairs is $1800. Should such a situation arise, we will make all reasonable attempts to contact you. However, if we cannot reach you, we will arrange the necessary repairs up to this cost limit.
We have a full range of reputable tradespeople available who have been providing quality, reliable service to us for many years. All are qualified, professional and covered by the appropriate insurance. If there are tradespeople that you would prefer to use, we are happy to record their details and contact them when required.
Vacating Tenants
If your tenant is vacating, we will:
- Provide them with a cleaning guide, as well as a list of recommended cleaners and steam cleaners, to ensure a hassle-free exit for all concerned
- Liaise with the vacating tenants to co-ordinate inspections for prospective tenants
- Conduct a final inspection and review the condition report that was completed at the start of the tenancy, to ensure the property is left as it was found, with the exception of fair wear and tear
- Inspect the property thoroughly, report on its condition, and recommend if any work is required prior to re-letting, to ensure your property is maintained
- Organise for the bond to be returned to the tenant in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act.
Ongoing Expenses
To save you time and inconvenience, you can arrange for Barlow McEwan Tribe First National to pay the following expenses on your behalf from your monthly rental income:
- Council rates
- Water rates
- Body corporate levies
- Insurance premiums
- Any other property-related charges.
Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)
While we work hard to resolve any dispute that might arise between a landlord and tenant, occasionally an application to VCAT might be required. In the event of a dispute we can:
- Apply to VCAT for resolution
- Attend any tribunal hearing on your behalf to present the case.
A member of VCAT will hear the case and make a binding decision based on the evidence presented.
Insurance
We recommend all landlords take out property insurance to cover the building, and its fixtures and fittings. In addition, we suggest you look into public liability and landlord insurance, the latter of which can help protect you against loss of rent and tenant-related damage to your property. Barlow McEwan Tribe First National property managers can provide a list of insurance specialists.
Valuation
Barlow McEwan Tribe First National manages hundreds of rental properties, and completes scores of rental property appraisals every week, giving us an exceptional knowledge of rental prices in our operating regions – enabling us to recommend the best possible rental rates for our landlords.
Certified valuations and market appraisals can also be arranged for dispute resolution, family law property settlement, refinancing, probate or for accounting purposes.
Advertising and Marketing
At Barlow McEwan Tribe First National, we understand that while your rental property is vacant, it is not earning you an income. Thankfully, our advanced marketing and advertising strategies will ensure your property is leased to an excellent tenant – and generating the maximum rental income – as quickly as possible.
To put it simply, our goal is to lease your property at the maximum possible rent, to the most appropriate tenant, in the shortest possible time. To achieve this aim, we will build an effective marketing campaign using an array of proven and effective marketing channels that include:
Internet: To ensure your property receives the best possible online exposure, it will be listed on barlows.com.au and the leading real estate portals, including:
- domain.com.au
- realestate.com.au
- firstnational.com.au
- barlows.com.au
Your web listing will include a detailed property description and photographs.
Rental list: Your property information – including a photograph – will be included on our rental lists and displayed in our office window
For Lease boards: We can supply you with high-impact ‘For Lease’ signage for your property
Executive and Corporate Leasing
Thanks to our trusted reputation, Barlow McEwan Tribe First National helps leading organisations and discerning company executives secure quality rental homes and apartments in all price ranges – for both medium and long-term tenancies.
We have strong ongoing relationships with a number of Melbourne’s leading corporate relocation companies, so that prospective executive tenants are informed of suitable properties as soon as they become available.
Lease Renegotiations
Landlords and tenants are notified prior to the lease expiration. At this point, a new lease can be negotiated, or the tenancy can continue on a month-to-month basis. The high quality of Barlow McEwan Tribe First Nationals property management service means that many of our tenancies renew beyond the initial term, helping our landlords to minimise vacancy periods and maintain their rental income.
Fee Options
We offer a range of comprehensive services and options, with the flexibility to satisfy every client. To find our more, arrange an appraisal of your property, or discuss a management package that suits your requirements, please contact the Property Manager