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As the weather heats up and the rental crisis wages on, the Real Estate Institute of Australia president Hayden Groves urges tenants to seek out mutual agreements with their property managers and landlords for more comfortable homes.
Mr Groves acknowledged renting a home long-term “can be a sensible choice for many Australians”, however he also noted that it can provide some drawbacks.
With 30 per cent of Australians renting the home they live in, the president said: “There are times when a tenant may require modifications such as mild renovations for cooling or heating systems, and it can be difficult to make desired amendments to suit your needs.”
He reminded tenants that “regardless of the state or territory where you live, all Australian tenancy legislation allows for tenants, property managers and property owners to negotiate a ‘mutual agreement’”.
Calling them “a great way for tenants to make home modifications, and to provide surety to property owners that their investment is protected”, he sees mutual agreements as a win-win, especially when air-conditioning or cooling systems are involved.
“Mutual agreements to improve the ambient environment of a tenant’s home are a sensible option given it improves a property’s value,” he remarked.
Addressing tenants directly, Mr Groves said it is ideal for people living in a rented property to develop a proposal for amendments, and to know “exactly what you are asking for before contacting your property manager to let them know what you are thinking”.
He advised: “Get their thoughts around what might work for the property owner and importantly, consider what changes are to occur and how the costs of the improvements might be apportioned.”
The president added that “communicating effectively and taking a positive and respectful approach goes a long way to achieving a successful negotiation that benefits tenants, property managers and property owners”.
Are mutual agreements key to sustainable tenancies?
Weighing in on the REIA’s message, Tenancy Skills Institute CEO Paul Tommasini seconded the need for tenants “to effectively communicate with property managers”.
He also advocated for the enhancing of home environments through the negotiation of “mutually beneficial modifications”.
“Sustainable tenancies start with tenants understanding the key tenets of effective communication with their property manager, and knowing their rights and responsibilities,” he commented.
“When planning underpins the tenants’ efforts in seeking modifications, tenants can work with their property manager to achieve an end result that is a win-win for all parties, including the property owner.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Grace Ormsby
Grace is a journalist across Momentum property and investment brands. Grace joined Momentum Media in 2018, bringing with her a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) from the University of Newcastle. She’s passionate about delivering easy to digest information and content relevant to her key audiences and stakeholders.
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