To check current rental
costs you can search through our various properties available online and see
the asking rentals. These are generally a bit negotiable, although the level of
negotiation varies from property to property and how they have been priced
initially. Some properties are rented on an inclusive basis which means rental
includes management fees, government rates and rent. When the property is
quoted as exclusive, this means in addition to the rental, the Tenant is
responsible for the payment of the Management Fees and Government Rates. This
also means that if there are any increases in the Management Fees & Rates
during the term of the tenancy, the Tenant is responsible for those increases.
Government Rent is normally
paid by the Landlords but in certain instances they try to pass it on to the
tenants. The Management Fees are monthly charges set by the incorporated owners
of the block, covering security costs and the cleaning and maintenance of the
common areas. Government rates are a local tax set by the Government and paid
quarterly. Utility charges such as meter and consumption charges for water,
gas, electricity and phone services are always to the Tenant’s account except
in the case of fully serviced apartments. Internet and pay TV services are also
usually the Tenant’s own responsibility, except in the case of serviced
apartments. Deposits are payable on each
of these accounts when they are set up and refundable to the Tenant upon the
payment of the last bill on vacating the apartment.
There is a one off stamp
duty payment due on signing the Tenancy Agreement. For tenancies of 1 year or
more, this is calculated as 0.5% of the annual rental + $5. It is divided
equally between the Landlord and Tenant.
The majority of the
premises are let unfurnished, though the numbers of furnished and
fully-serviced apartments are increasing, although many of these are studios,
one and two bedroom units, which are more suitable for those without children.
Long term accommodation units are usually supplied with fitted closets, kitchen
cupboards, water heaters and the majority have kitchen electrical appliances
and air-conditioning. However, these may have to be negotiated in some older
apartments and depending on the individual landlord.
