Things to Know When Leasing Privately in NT

Before Approving a Tenant:

  1. Ensure you’ve done a check done on the tenant (contact us to arrange through PropertyNow).
  2. Phone/ check all tenant’s references (our tenancy application asks them to supply their current employer, current landlord, and personal references).
  3. Make sure you physically sight proof of identification, proof of income, proof of address, and proof of rental history (e.g. lease agreement, written reference, or tenant ledger).

Once you’re ready to approve a tenant:

  1. Meet them to sign a Residential Tenancy Agreement form (NT), which you can request from us via email.
  2. Complete a property condition report within 7 days of the start of the tenancy. Keep one copy for yourself and supply two copies to the tenant. Where possible, complete this form with the tenant to minimise disagreements. You can request a blank condition report from us via email.
  3. Request a bond of 4 weeks rent. When you receive it, make sure to give the tenant a receipt. You can find more information about bonds here. 

During the Tenancy:

  1. Conduct routine property inspections up to 4 times a year, and give 7 days written notice each time using this form. 
  2. Keep all documentation of any occurrences (e.g. copies of any letters/receipts you send to tenant, photos of any damage etc), in case of future disputes. 

We also recommend:

We strongly recommend completing National Tenancy Database / TICA blacklist checks before approving any tenant (you can arrange this through PropertyNow). 

You should also consider checking the ACCR criminal court attendance database here and you can order full police background checks through PropertyNow, if you wish

Most importantly, consider taking out Landlords Insurance – this covers you for theft, malicious damage, or loss of rent if the tenant stopping paying. Shop around for the best deal – here’s 2 to get you started:

We also strongly recommend taking a look at the NT Consumers Affairs site. It provides forms, factsheets, and a link to the more detailed Residential Tenancies Act.

If any of your questions aren’t answered here, or you’re considering leasing your property privately in NT, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or email – we’d be happy to help.

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