Frequently Asked Questions
Now more than ever, Residential Letting understand that you need a team behind you with the experience and expertise to not only successfully navigate this time for you but to also be able to confidently give you the right advice.
Of the questions we are currently being asked, we have expanded on the three main ones below:
What is the current demand for rental properties?
We are presently experiencing high demand for properties with a number of people previously in the market to buy homes, opting to rent whilst they gauge the outcome of current events.
During the month of June 2020, our average time on market for properties was 10 days showing a very positive rate for turnover of properties and minimal vacancy for landlords.
What happens if my tenant can’t pay the rent?
There has unfortunately been a great deal of misunderstanding / misleading information regarding this issue. First and foremost, despite all current circumstances, all tenants are required to continue to pay their rent as normal.
Should it become applicable, a tenant would be required to prove financial hardship to SACAT via the following;
• Evidence that a tenant has lost their job due to the pandemic (for example a letter from their employer, a separation certificate or information about their business)
• Bank account statements to indicate little or no savings
• Evidence of applying for a Jobseeker payment from Centrelink
• Evidence that a tenant has applied for a release of money from their superannuation fund on the grounds of hardship
• A letter from an accountant or financial adviser
• Evidence of an application to the South Australian Housing Authority or other organisation for financial assistance with their tenancy.
COVID 19 amendments do not mean that a tenant is excused from their responsibilities to pay rent and water under their tenancy agreement. SACAT may however make an order which reduces a tenant’s rent payments for a short period of time (eg until Job Keeper payments commence), but on the understanding that the tenant remains responsible to make up the balance of the rent which would otherwise have been payable, at a future date.
Can I increase the rent?
As per the COVID-19 Emergency Response Bill 2020 (March 30, 2020 to September 30, 2020) Landlords are unable to increase the rent, even if specified in the tenancy agreement, until the bill is lifted or amended.
