Ending your tenancy

There will be a time that your tenancy will come to an end.

This can be for a variety of circumstances – your lease has come to an end, you are on a periodic lease and just want to leave, or you are on a fixed lease and your circumstances have changed and you need to break your lease.

Each of these have slightly different processes involved.

Notice periods - periodic lease

If you are on a periodic lease (ie: one with no end date) then you are required to give us 21 days notice in writing that you intend to move out.  It is our responsibility to then find replacement tenants for your property.

Notice periods - fixed lease

If you are on a fixed lease – you are unable to give 21 days notice to vacant the property. The lease can ended at the end of a fixed lease period either by us (as agent for the Landlord) or by you.  If you do not want to renew your fixed lease you will need to give at least 21 days notice (prior to the lease end date) in writing of your intention to end the tenancy.

Breaking your fixed lease

We understand that sometimes things do not quite go to plan and that there are some circumstances when you need to break your fixed lease.  The following applies to give you the flexibility that you may require.

If you are on a fixed lease and everyone at the property is looking to move out – then you need to,

  • Notify us in writing and continue to pay rent until new tenants move in.
  • Advertise and find new tenants,
  • Get Interested applicants to complete an application for  (Download here)
  • We will undertake our checks and give approval prior to signing a new lease with them.
  • There will be a cost of $130 to cover our time in completing checks, signing up and undertaking final and initial inspections.
  • On the day you move out we will undertake a final inspection with you and complete the final paperwork.
  • New tenants can not move in until the final inspection has been undertaken. We will then arrange for an initial inspection with the new tenants.

If one tenant wants to move out with the remaining tenants continuing the lease, you need to:

  • Continue to pay your rent until new a tenant moves in.
  • Advertise and find a new tenant to take over your room.
  • Once you have found someone you will need to get them to complete and application form (Download here)
  • You need to make sure that the remaining flatmates are happy to accept this person.
  • We will undertake our checks and give our approval before allowing their name to be added to the lease and your name removed.
  • We will undertake an inspection on your room on your final day, before the new person starts moving in any furniture.
  • There will be $130 to cover our costs and time.

If you leave your name on a lease then you remain legally responsible for property until the end of the lease.  If the tenants fail to pay the rent or damage to the property you will still be liable for their actions as your name is still on the lease (being jointly and severally liable).

Cleaning

At the end of your lease – it is your responsibility to ensure that the property is left reasonably clean and tidy.  We have a cleaning checklist which will help you to work through things we will be looking at during the final inspection.

You can download a copy of this checklist here…