Notice and the reasons a tenancy can end
Tenants can end a tenancy by giving written notice, and the notice required depends on the type of agreement and when it is given. If you are thinking of ending a tenancy yourself, talk to your team first: NSW rules now generally require a landlord to have a permitted reason, such as selling the property or moving in, and set notice periods and evidence for each.
Whoever gives notice, confirm the vacate date in writing so everyone is working to the same timeline.
- Confirm the vacate date in writing.
- Ask your team to check the notice is valid for the type of agreement.
- Do not act on a landlord termination until the reason and notice have been checked.
Plan the re-letting early
Once the vacate date is known, decide whether to lease the property again straight away, carry out work first or use the vacancy for something else. Advertising early, with the tenant’s cooperation for inspections, helps shorten the gap between tenancies.
Use the time to review the rent and any improvements that would make the property more attractive.
- Decide whether any work is needed before the next tenancy.
- Agree the advertised rent and availability date.
- Arrange inspection times with the outgoing tenant.
The final inspection
After the tenant has moved out and returned the keys, your team will inspect the property and compare it against the ingoing condition report. The tenant is expected to leave the property reasonably clean and in the same condition as at the start, apart from fair wear and tear.
Photos taken from the same angles as the ingoing report make the comparison clear for everyone.
- Check every key, remote and access card has been returned.
- Compare each room against the ingoing condition report.
- Record meter readings where they are needed.
Finalising the bond
If the property is in the right condition and nothing is owed, the bond can be released to the tenant. If there is damage beyond fair wear and tear, cleaning that was not done or unpaid rent, your team will put a clear, itemised claim to the tenant with supporting quotes or invoices.
In NSW the bond is held by NSW Fair Trading. If the landlord and tenant cannot agree on a claim, NCAT can decide.
- Itemise any claim and separate cleaning, damage and rent.
- Attach quotes, invoices and photos.
- Allow for the age of any damaged item.
Let’s talk about your property.
Discuss your plans and the next steps with our team.
