Property Owners - Process & Services

Rental Valuation
At Altus, we aim to achieve true value returns on your property by realising the best possible rental. It is our responsibility to professionally recognise your property's rental potential. Our valuation process takes into account comparable properties that Altus manages, similar properties in the neighbourhood, the number of enquiries for similar properties and current rental market trends. A realistic rental valuation is essential to ensure your property will be let promptly, and Altus Property Management will provide ongoing valuations and rent reviews to ensure maximised rental return.

Initial Property Inspection
Prior to a tenant moving in, a comprehensive Property Condition Report (PCR) is prepared, detailing every facet of the current condition of your property, including an Inventory Report if the property is furnished/semi-furnished. Photographs are also taken of specific areas, gardens, paint work, etc., so that there can be no misunderstanding as to the condition of the property when first leased. Copies of the PCR are signed and exchanged with the tenant and a copy forwarded to you for your records. The PCR is then used as a comparison at the end of a tenancy and is the basis on which a security bond is refunded.

Marketing
On listing your property with Altus, it is simultaneously uploaded not only to our own website, but also to popular real estate portals such as realestate.com.au, aussiehome.com, and reiwa.com.au. On-line marketing generates the most significant source of prospective tenants. Properties are also advertised in our window, day and night, seven days a week so prospective tenants can stop and take a look at any time.

We will keep in regular contact with you throughout the marketing period to provide an activity update including comments received by prospective tenants about your property.

Presenting your Property
Our property managers are trained to digitally photograph your property to its best advantage. There is no charge for this service.

Your property will be placed on our Rental List as soon as you list it with us. All properties on the Rental List have a colour photo, detailed description, rental price, and the date the property will be available. This list is emailed to prospective tenants and is also available from our reception area for anyone enquiring about rental properties. Additionally we have a close working relationship with the leading relocation agencies in Perth which gives us access to the growing ex-pat community constantly entering Perth.

Rental Sign at your property
The distinctive Altus Property Management sign will work for you as a 24-hour advertisement. Our unique For Rent signs are one of the simplest ways to inform people your property is available and these are provided, installed and removed at no cost to you.

Viewing the Property
Our property managers will personally show your property to all potential tenants, six days per week. Altus Property Management does not hand out keys to vacant properties. All prospective tenants are met at your property where we are better able to assess the suitability of the person, more effectively sell the benefits of your property and, importantly, maintain security on your behalf.

Getting you the Best Tenants
Choosing the right tenants is a very important facet of rental property management. Good tenants can be regarded as an asset, not only ensuring on time rental income, but they can add value to your investment by keeping your property clean, tidy and in good repair. We pride ourselves in providing our property owners with quality tenants. We are particularly discerning when selecting tenants, so that we can all have a worry free tenancy. Our detailed screening process aims to establish, not only that tenants can meet the responsibilities of the lease agreement, but that they are the best possible tenant for your property.

Tenant Evaluation
Our application form enables us to establish current and previous tenancies and employment history, as well as screening business and personal references of all prospective tenants. We also complete a history check on the tenants through the National Tenancy Database. This company and its information is only available to Real Estate and Property Management companies and will advise us if the tenants have any outstanding debts or judgements or adverse history against their names from previous lease agreements. Once all this information has been obtained, we will contact you with recommendations, to discuss the application on its merits, but the final choice of the tenant is obviously your decision.

So you’ve chosen your tenants – what next?

Residential Tenancy Agreement: The Lease
We prepare all the lease documentation, including any specific requirements you may have, whilst ensuring stringent legal compliance. It is also our responsibility to ensure that all aspects of the lease are clearly explained to the tenants at the time of signing this important document and the tenant has to read and understand their obligations.

When signing the lease, the tenant pays two weeks rent in advance and the equivalent of four weeks rent as a security bond. Bond monies are lodged with the Residential Tenancies Authority on your behalf. Once signed, a copy of the lease is sent to you for your records.

It is our policy to develop open and honest communication with you, our property owners, to build mutual trust, and maintain excellent relationships. We deliver the highest standard of service without losing sight of the importance of personal contact.

Rental Payments
We put a very high priority on collection of rent and do everything we can to ensure tenants fulfill their obligation to pay their rent as it is due. Rental arrears are checked daily and notices served promptly should tenants fail to meet their commitment. Altus Property Management offer tenants a number of ways to pay their rent – internet banking, bank direct deposit or by visiting the office.

Should it be necessary, we take full responsibility for dealing with the tenant until all rent arrears are cleared, and handle any termination if required. On those rare occasions when a tenant defaults on their lease conditions, we act swiftly to minimise any financial loss to the owner.

Accounting to You, Our Property Owners
Our accounts department offers prompt payment of all rental income. Each month, usually five working days before month end, we provide an itemised statement detailing income and payments made on your behalf and transfer funds electronically to your nominated account. This ensures there is no delay receiving your funds. Simultaneously, a statement is sent via e-mail. A hard copy of the statement will also go out in the post with copies of invoices attached.

Council rates, body corporate levies, landlord protection insurance premiums, are just some of the accounts that can be paid directly from rental income. Altus Property Management also offer end of financial year statements reporting all transactions relating to the property in the previous twelve months.

Property Maintenance
Our policy is that you nominate a limit (usually $500.00) that we can utilise in organising maintenance in any one instance. This includes all general repairs to your property but does not include special requests made by your tenant. We will guarantee that each maintenance request made will be taken on its merits and assessed as to whose responsibility it is according to the Residential Tenancies Act.

You will be notified in writing either by letter or email that this maintenance has been organised. Should maintenance exceed your maximum limit our staff will contact you to gain permission to proceed with the work. Our contractors are also aware that if the maintenance is going to exceed your limit they are to contact our office first to gain permission to proceed.

Our policy benefits both the owner and the tenant. It satisfies your needs to have the property maintained throughout the lease of the property, hence maintaining the value of the property, if not improving it.

Quarterly Inspections
Beginning six weeks after the commencement of the lease and every three months thereafter, or as instructed by the owner, inspections are carried out to ensure that the property is being maintained satisfactorily. The condition of all rooms, the garden and pool areas are assessed, and we carefully note any damage or maintenance issues. After the inspection, we provide a full report to you with any matters of significance noted for possible further action.

Insurance – Building, Contents and Public Liability
You must maintain your own insurance cover on the building, contents and public liability. If the property is a Strata unit, the Strata Company insures the building, but you should have contents insurance for the carpets, blinds, curtains, light fittings and any appliances inside the unit. The tenant is responsible for their own personal effects but not for the property owner's belongings. You are advised to check with your insurance company to ensure that your home is covered for light fittings, carpets and window treatments; these are not usually covered by building contents. Public liability - please ensure your property is adequately insured by checking with your insurance company.

Landlord Insurance
Landlord Insurance products are designed to provide cover for many of the unique risks that can be associated with owning a residential rental property. We strongly encourage you as the landlord to take out landlord's protection insurance. Cover includes loss of rent, malicious or accidental damage caused by tenants, theft by a tenant, legal expenses and legal liability. Policies can also extend to coverage of your contents; carpet, light fittings, window treatments etc.

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