Are you keen to understand the rules around tank water? Need to understand who is responsible for fixing fences when they need repair? Or need to know what to do if you discover fire ants at your acreage rental property?
Our Top Tips for Tenants series gives Tenants important insights from experienced Property Managers sharing important skills for renters.
With thanks to Property Management Director and Principal Sandy Lower of Q State Properties Beaudesert who is sharing valuable insights for tenants living on acreage properties.
Watch Sandy’s rental tips here:
Top Tip 1: What are some of the rules around tank water?
Tank water on a property still has to be water efficient and compliant in order for Tenants to incur the full cost of the water as listed in the General Tenancy Agreement. Tenants should confirm how much water is in the tank when they first move in and ensure the water quantity is listed in the Entry Condition Report. Cleaning of the tank is also really important and is the responsibility of the Property Owner.
Top Tip 2: As a Tenant on an acreage, who is responsible to fix the fences that keep my horses in?
Determining if the Tenant or Landlord is responsible for fixing fences for livestock is best outlined in a Livestock Agistment Agreement. Property Managers are unable to draft the terms and conditions of an Agistment Agreement as drafting these agreements is the responsibility of the Landlord or their lawyer. The types of duties for the rental property outlined in an agistment agreement include fencing, land management including rotating of paddocks and weed management.
Top Tip 3: What to do as a Tenant when you find fire ants on an acreage property?
Fire ants can be found on acreage properties, so if a tenant identifies a fire ant nest, they must ensure all occupants of the rental property, including young children and pets, are kept away from the nest at all times. Next steps are either the Tenant or Property Manager to spray paint around the nest to clearly identify it and then to notify the Department of Primary Industries for their prompt action to address the fire ants/fire ant nest.
Top Tip 4: How are biodegradable septic tanks different to mains sewage?
Septic systems are serviced every three months with the reports submitted to the Local Council Authority. Tenants should always use biodegradable and healthy safe items in the septic systems and be wary of products like bleach that can kill the good bacteria within the septic tank. The water generated from septic systems should not be used for drinking water but is great for watering gardens and paddocks on an acreage property. The cost of maintaining a septic system will be at the Landlord’s expense, however, a Tenant who misuses the septic system may find the cost of any damage caused by their misuse will, at the discretion of the Landlord, be their responsibility to pay.
Top Tip 5: Why are Entry Condition Reports so important in an acreage setting?
Entry Condition Reports are extremely important including both descriptions and photos. All Tenants, including those living on acreage properties, should ensure they are happy with all descriptions listed in the Entry Condition Report. On an acreage property Tenants are recommended to pay attention to external items like gates and fences as well as general internal areas. Ensuring the Tenant documents the property in the state it is when they commence the tenancy is vital. Taking photo to substantiate the descriptions you add and submit the Entry Condition Report to the Property Manager within seven days of the tenancy commencing.
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The Tenancy Skills Institute thanks our network of Property Managers for sharing their valuable expertise in this video series especially made for Tenants.
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