Keep calm and hire a property manager

With Australians finding it increasingly difficult to buy their first home, more people are being faced with the prospect of renting for a lifetime. Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, lease disputes are inevitable. The fact is that most people don’t have the time or the funds to get involved in drawn out litigation, here are some quick tips on how to handle such disputes:

1. HIRE A PROPERTY MANAGERAs a Landlord, there is always the very attractive option of having a property manager, a trained expert, to handle all affairs relating to the lease including disputes. ‘Having the expertise and the know how, property managers are able to solve such issues on your behalf quickly and effectively’ Michael KrimotatDirector Ray White Double Bay.

2. OPEN UP COMMUNICATIONAs a tenant however – The first step in resolving any problem or complaint is to carefully read the terms of your agreement. It is always best for a tenant and landlord or agent to try to solve any problems between themselves. To avoid possible problems later, any agreement reached should be put in writing.

3. RESIDENTIAL TENACY COMPLAINTS SERVICEIf your tenancy problems cannot be solved between you, you can use Fair Trading’s free tenancy complaint service for selected residential tenancy complaints or disputes. NSW tenants, landlords and property managers can use the voluntary service.

It may be a convenient alternative to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT)hearing your matter. An experienced Fair Trading Officer will aim to finalise the matter through mutual agreement. If Fair Trading cannot get the parties to agree to a resolution, either party may lodge a claim with NCAT.