Renting FAQ

Online booking – Go to the property you’d like to view on our website and click the Book an Inspection button. Follow the prompts to book you most suitable time or to let us know if you need a new time.

We use an online application system called 2Apply. There’s a link to apply online using 2Apply next to each available property on our website. 2Apply allows you to create an account to enter and save your application information and documents.

Alternatively, you can fill in a Matthews Application form by clicking here to download.

Please note that an application will only be processed if you have provided all the required identification and documents. (See below FAQ for documents required)

Yes. We must ensure that yourself,or a person representing you, has completed an inspection in person before applying to rent a property.  If you are finding it difficult to get to the property or live interstate, please contact our Leasing Consultant Emily, for alternative arrangements rentals@matthewsrealestate.com.au

Out of hours open homes can be arranged and often occur on Saturdays.

You will need to fill out an application form – we recommend using 2Apply online as a way to save all of your documents and information. You will need to have:

• Details of the property you wish to apply for
• A separate application form and supporting documents for every adult wanting to live at the property
• Employers details
• Current address details
• Current landlord or agents details
• Rental references
• Personal references
• For Non-Australian citizens, we will need a copy of your visa.

You will also need photocopies of your identification as follows:

• Passport or drivers’ licence
• Proof of income – recent payslips / Centrelink
• Last four rent receipts
• Previous bills e.g. Telstra, AGL
• Current vehicle registration papers.

Loans and grants for bond payments and rental payments are available to eligible tenants. Contact our nearest Housing Service Centre for more information.

Buranda Housing Service Centre

Address:
Level 1, 221 Logan Road 
Woolloongabba Qld 4102

Email: burandahsc@hpw.qld.gov.au

Phone: (07) 3873 7700

To check if you are eligible for a bond loan, click here

Mathews Real Estate will be in touch with you to confirm your lease details (via phone and email) including the date you would like to move in. You will then need to pay your first two weeks rent within 24 hours of your acceptance. We will then make a time for you to come into our office for a “Sign-up” appointment. At this time you will sign your lease, pay your bond and receive the keys to the property. At this appointment you’ll also receive your entry condition report and instructions for completing it. This is a very important document as it’s attached to your bond refund when your tenancy is over.

Matthews prefers an online transfer for rent payments. Discuss with your property manager the correct timing for your rent payments. Please use the last eight digits your mobile phone number as a reference.

BSB: 084 391

Account: 508450 096

Our reception is also able to process EFTPOS / credit card payments.  Credit card payments can also be processed over the phone.

Cheques should be payable to Mathews Real Estate and may be posted (along with your address and mobile phone number) to P.O. Box 171, Annerley Q. 4103

Up front you will required to pay a bond equivalent to 4 weeks rent which will be held by the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA).  You will also need two week’s rent.

You’ll also need to factor in payment for water usage, electricity usage, gas, gas hot water, internet and any other services you choose to have connected.

Yes. Please call us and tell us about your situation before you rent is due. If we have talked to you and you need a couple of days, then we will come to an arrangement with you. If your problem is ongoing and more serious, there is help available.  From payment plans with your landlord to government assistance, please call your property manager for a confidential chat.

You may like to try this link for further information

https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/renting/rent-assistance

Yes absolutely. Please email reception@matthewsrealestate.com.au or your property manager and request a copy of your ledger by email.

The best way is via the Console Tenant App on your phone or online. If you don’t have the app you can go to this page to access links to download the version you need. Bricks and Agent will allow you to not only describe the maintenance but also upload photos and track the attendance of a tradesperson.

Alternatively, you can email your property manager and include photos and give permission for us to allow access to a tradesperson if needed.

Please let your property manager know immediately to prevent the situation from getting worse. Take some photos and send those along with a description of the damage. Attending to accidents straight away is always better than waiting until you’re about to move out. We’ll notify your owner and discuss repairs/replacement with them before getting back to you. Please don’t attempt repairs yourself without approval. All repairs need to be carried out by an approved tradesperson or nominated repair person.

Check your Tenancy Agreement (your lease) for the emergency number for our recommended electrician or plumber or for the after-hours mobile of a Matthews Staff member.

Call the tradesperson you need and make arrangements with them directly. If you cannot get hold of the nominated tradesperson, you may engage a suitably qualified person to attend and carry out the repairs to the maximum value of two week’s rent. Important! Document your call and the problem / result in an email with photos if possible to your Property Manager along with the paid invoice from the tradesperson if it wasn’t one of our nominated repairers. The tradesperson may also provide you with an invoice and 7-day terms which you can pass on to your Property Manager for payment.

Emergency repairs are defined as the following:

• a burst water service or a serious water service leak
• a blocked or broken toilet
• a serious roof leak
• a gas leak
• a dangerous electrical fault
• flooding or serious flood damage
• serious storm, fire or impact damage
• a failure or breakdown of the gas, electricity or water supply
• a failure or breakdown of an essential service or appliance on the property for hot water, cooking or heating
• a fault or damage that makes the property unsafe or insecure
• a fault or damage likely to injure a person, damage property or unduly inconvenience a tenant
• a serious fault in a staircase, lift or other common areas of the property that unduly inconveniences a tenant in gaining access to, or using, the property.

All other repairs are considered routine repairs.

For more info see the RTA website

Always keep your property tidy, in good repair (report all maintenance) and clean.  If your property manager mentions something that needs attention during a routine inspection, always follow up and ensure it’s done.

The source document for the state of your property is the Entry Condition Report (ECR) and accompanying photographs. When your tenancy is completed, you have moved out and done your final exit clean, you should complete your Exit Condition Report (Form 14a). It’s a good idea to take photos/video to support your assessments of the exit condition.

Hand the form into your PM and we will do our final “Vacate Inspection” where we compare the ECR with the Exit Condition Report. You are welcome to be present when this occurs and if anything needs cleaning this is the time to take care of it rather than having to come back later.

Your Property Manager (PM) will be comparing the current condition of the property with the way it was on the ECR, taking into account fair wear and tear for the length of time you have lived in the property. The best way to ensure a full bond refund is to maintain the property in the same condition it was in at the start of your tenancy.

The document used for comparison with the ECR is the Exit Condition Report (Form 14a).

For more information on fair wear and tear see this video by the RTA at the very top of this page.

Picture hooks and other fixtures are only allowed if the owner agrees. Please ask in writing and outline the following points in relation to the changes you’d like to make:

• The type of fixture (nail, hook, screw, stick-on etc)
• Will the fixtures be removed when you leave?
• If any damage occurs during fixing or removing – when and how will compensation and repair be made to the owner?

Your property manager can guide you as to the details of your agreement and it should be agreed in writing or written into your lease if possible.

If you have a fixed-term lease then you are entitled to stay until the end of your lease term if that is what you want to do. The new owner of the property becomes your new landlord and if they choose to use Matthews Real Estate as their property manager, then life goes on for you as usual. Your property manager could change, but you will be informed about any change in writing.

If you are on a periodic lease you could be issued with a Notice to Leave and given four weeks to move out after a contract is signed – this only applies if the new owner wishes to have vacant possession of the property. If your new owner is an investor who wants the property tenanted, you may be asked to sign a fixed-term lease or carry on with your periodic arrangement.

For more information see the RTA website:

https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/Renting/During-a-tenancy/When-a-property-is-for-sale

During the sales campaign the selling agent may request entry to show prospective buyers. You should expect to receive the appropriate Form 10 (Notice of owner’s intention to sell the property).

An open house or on-site auction can only be held if you agree in writing. A Form 9 Entry notice with 24 hours’ noticeshould be issued before an entry to the property. It’s always best to make arrangements with the sales agent and come to an agreement about times and days that suit you best, and the agent will fit in with you so as not to disturb your quiet enjoyment of the property.

First thing to do (before you get your pet!) is to email your PM, so we have your request in writing. Your PM will then approach the owner and the Body Corporate with your request on your behalf.

Special terms, such as adding a pet can be added if the tenant and owner and Body Corporate agree.

First check your Tenancy Agreement as there may be a maximum number of occupants listed in the agreement. You then need to seek permission from your PM / Owner before the person moves in. Please write an email to your PM and provide details of the tenants who are coming in and going out of the lease.

The new tenant will need to provide Matthews Real Estate with

• a completed Tenancy Application Form
• Accompanying identification documents.

The application will then be put to the property owner for approval. After approval for the new tenant has been received, your PM will send through a number of forms which need to be signed and return to our office. The original Entry Condition Report will be one of those forms for the new tenant to look over as this is the source document for all bond refunds and disputes.

When tenants change during a tenancy a Form 6 Change of Bond Contributors form will need to be signed and sent to the RTA (your PM will do this for you) The RTA always needs an accurate record of contributions to ensure smooth refunds later. Bond monies can be exchanged privately between the in-coming and out-going tenants.

See the RTA pages for more information about a change of housemates

https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/Renting/During-a-tenancy/Change-of-house-mates-or-property-manager-owner

If you need to end a fixed-term tenancy without grounds before the end date you must first inform your Property Manager in writing. Please send us an email and provide a completed Form 13 Notice of Intention to Leave.

Your PM may charge you reasonable re-letting and advertising costs and you must continue paying the rent until a new tenant is found. Your PM will do whatever they can to minimise the costs for you by making arrangements for finding a replacement tenant as soon as practical.