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If the infestation is present at the start of the tenancy – landlords are usually responsible for getting rid of the following pests:

  • ants
  • bees and wasps – and during the tenancy, if in a wall cavity
  • cockroaches, fleas and spiders
  • mice and rats
  • snakes (and during the tenancy only if the landlord breaches the agreement, for example, by leaving piles of rubbish in the garden).

If the infestation occurs during the tenancy – tenants are usually responsible for getting rid of the pest, and landlords must seal off any entry points.

Pests that are the responsibility of the landlord:

  • white ants
  • possums – remove and seal entry points
  • birds – remove and seal entry points.

Click here to download information about the sale of a rental property.

Click here to download information about breaking your lease.

Please note that this is as per the South Australian Legislation – Legislation may vary from State to State.

  • Potted plants are not a tenant’s responsibility to look after or keep alive
  • Speciality pruning, fruit trees, rose bushes, ornamental plants, or tree removals are a landlord’s responsibility to maintain
  • Water filters, such as PuraTap, are a landlord’s responsibility to maintain and change filters
  • Cleaning of gutters is a landlord’s responsibility
  • Any breakdown of gas/electrical appliances needs to be replaced/repaired within the shortest amount of time possible
  • Specialty light globes, i.e. down lights, oven or rangehood lights, are a landlord’s responsibility
  • Fish ponds & swimming pools are to be adequately fenced with compliance checks completed if required
  • If NBN is required to install at the property initially, this is a cost of the landlord and cannot be refused
  • Landlord cannot refuse a ‘reasonable’ tenant request such as Foxtel (tenant cost) or additional powerpoints (tenant cost)
  • Landlord cannot ask the tenant to undertake maintenance. If the tenant is injured while doing a requested job, the landlord is responsible for the tenant’s injuries.

The following is a checklist of things to ensure the safety of your tenants:

  • Are smoke detectors fitted and in working order?
  • Do you have a safety switch (RCD) installed? (Not compulsory but recommended)
  • Is the safety switch in good working order?
  • Have you checked all your electrical appliances are in safe working condition?
  • Are all power sockets and light switches in safe working condition?
  • Are all lights working and damaged light globes replaced?
  • Is the property secure with all locks in working condition – Will your home pass the insurance test?
  • Is the pest control and termite inspection up-to-date and scheduled for annual pest control? (Not compulsory)
  • Do you have adequate Building and Public Liability insurance?
  • Do you have Landlord Special Risk Insurance?
  • Do you have security, and is it in working condition? (Not compulsory)
  • Is all the plumbing in working condition? – Small leaks can cause significant problems and large water accounts.
  • Are the gutters clear of leaves and debris?
  • Have you ensured there are keys plus copies to all windows and doors?
  • Are all remotes in good working order with new batteries installed?

If you have any questions concerning these items or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your Harcourts Gawler Property Manager.

If you are a Landlord, leasing out the property you have lived in, please remember to:

  • Re-direct your mail
  • Organise for the power supply to be read and the final bill sent to you
  • Make sure your building insurance remains up to date and you have adequate landlord insurance
  • Contact your insurance company to advise of the property being leased
  • If you have a pool, organise for maintenance to be carried out whilst the property is being marketed.
  • Contact your security monitoring company if applicable to advise of change of details
  • Ensure the carpets are professionally steam cleaned, the property is professionally cleaned out and that windows are cleaned inside and out
  • Don’t forget the exterior, does that need washing too?

Hear from our satisfied clients

"Harcourts Gawler are by far the best rental property managers I’ve ever known (and I’ve used four others).
Jessica is exceptional - professional and articulate, prompt and thorough - she always goes above and beyond, and is highly skilled at successfully navigating complex situations with integrity.
Julie heads an excellent team whose members evidently work extremely well together as each person with whom I’ve been in contact has been able to solve every one of my worries.
Financial statements, inspection reports and action requests are always timely and comprehensive. I am so grateful to be able to put our beloved family property in their hands. Thank you, Harcourts."

Rebecca G

"Just a quick email because I'm sure Shei and Jess are going to speak to you about the rapidly escalating situation at the rental property, but I did just want to say how incredibly impressed I am by these two property managers and their response. The work they are doing on this is first class, and Shei has thanked me for my kind words, but I'd like to stress that they aren't just kind  - they are true."

Sheralee M

"It’s always a pleasure working with Harcourts Gawler. The team is organised, easy to communicate with and genuinely cares about their clients and properties.
We’re proud to support their properties and ongoing maintenance needs."

Rhuah P

Playford Plumbing

"I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for the fantastic way that you managed my property. I am so glad that I picked Harcourts Gawler as my managing agents, and you in particular deserve very high praise for your dedication to your job. Never once did I have to worry that I would not be receiving my rent on time or that my property was being neglected.

My inspections were always carried out on time, and your reports were meticulous. Your attention to detail is second to none, and I learned that “near enough is not good enough” when it comes to the tenants looking after properties that you manage. You return calls in a timely manner and always follow up maintenance issues. Your communication skills are exemplary.

Should any of my properties need to be managed in the future, I will definitely be returning, and also recommending your services to anyone that needs a quality property manager."

Cherrie

"Thank you so much for the very comprehensive report you have sent us, we are so pleased with the state of the home and the professionalism with which it was presented.

We are so happy we chose you and your company to look after our home."

Peter

"We have been working with Harcourts Gawler property management team for several
years now. We have found them extremely well organised, friendly and always making sure that they are given the correct information to give the best outcome for landlords and tenants. Highly recommend."

Michael V

"Thankyou,  that's terrific.  Our experience with you girls at Harcourts has been excellent.  You are all so professional and organised!"

Kerin

"Great Real Estate agents here! Very understanding and will do what they can to help their tenants. If you want an honest reliable real estate, don't hesitate to go see them!"

Sarah

"Great service & advice from Julie. Made property management simple, especially if you have a challenging tenant. Highly recommend her expertise & professionalism.
Also, her company achieved an excellent sale of our property, both price & time wise."

Kristina S

"Once again a huge thank you to Julie and her team. I have had the privilege of being a tenant with Harcourts a couple of times over the past 5 years, and have been well looked after by Julie and her team.
Always professional, helpful, reliable and friendly. Thank you for everything you have done to help my transition to the retirement village. I will highly recommend your Property Management Services.
Thank you. "

Bronnie A