By-laws apply to tenants too
Tenants in a strata building must follow the building’s by-laws, covering things like noise, parking, pets, moving furniture and use of common areas. Tenants need to be given a copy of the by-laws, and they should be part of the tenancy paperwork.
Ask your strata manager for the current by-laws and any building rules before the property is advertised, so your team can answer applicants’ questions accurately.
- Get a current copy of the by-laws from the strata manager.
- Include the by-laws with the tenancy agreement.
- Check rules on pets, parking, moving and short-term use.
Access, keys and moving in
Apartments often have more keys and devices than a house: building fobs, garage remotes, mailbox keys and storage cage keys. Many buildings also require move-ins and move-outs to be booked, with lift protection and set times.
Give your team the full set of access devices, the correct car space and storage numbers, and the building’s booking process.
- List every fob, remote and key with what it opens.
- Confirm the car space and storage cage numbers.
- Find out how to book the lift for moving.
Who repairs what
Repairs inside the apartment, such as appliances, taps and fittings, are usually the owner’s responsibility. Common property, such as the roof, external walls, lifts and shared plumbing, is usually the owners corporation’s. Water leaks often involve both and need to be traced to their source.
When a tenant reports a problem, your team will work out whether it belongs to you or to the building and report it to the strata or building manager where needed.
- Keep the strata and building manager contacts with your team.
- Report common property issues to the strata manager in writing.
- Follow up leaks quickly, as they can affect other apartments.
Levies, notices and insurance
Strata levies remain the owner’s responsibility and are not passed on to tenants. Notices from the owners corporation about works, inspections or meetings may affect the tenant, and relevant ones should be passed on to them.
The building’s insurance covers common property, not your contents, fixtures you own or loss of rent. Landlord insurance is worth reviewing for an apartment as well as a house.
- Pass building works and access notices on to the tenant.
- Check what the building’s insurance does and does not cover.
- Review your landlord insurance for the apartment.
Let’s talk about your property.
Discuss your plans and the next steps with our team.
