Tenants Guide

Rather than assuming that you have leased a property before, we have put together a simple step by step guide outlining the process in full from beginning to end.

Registration 

It is important that you keep yourself up to date on new rental properties as soon as they become available, the best way to ensure this happens is to register with Shape. Our talented team of Property Management experts are available to help you search for that ideal property and you can stay informed through various different methods including:

• Telephone our office
• Visit the Shape website to view all rental properties available
• Register for our weekly rental update e-mail facility 
• Visit us at our Bulimba Office

Needs and Wants

We value your input as this is an integral part of ensuring we find the right property for you. We ask you to give us as much information as possible regarding your needs and wants about your next rental property, whether it be ideal suburb, number of rooms or even nearest public transportation facilities, every little detail to us is important.

Searching for suitable properties

Our team of experienced Property Management consultants will then begin a property search matching together your needs and wants as accurately as possible to available properties.Our proactive approach ensures that no stone remains unturned in our quest to identify that perfect rental property for you. Our continual networking with local business partners, marketing strategies and our drive to achieve maximum results, ensures we present to you every rental opportunity available.

Property Viewings

Once our team has identified a suitable shortlist of properties we recommend taking a drive past the respective properties in order to gain a feel for both the properties and their local surrounding area.

We ensure that viewings are a comfortable experience, one that allows you to take your time to walk through the premises and make a more accurate judgement. Property inspections are always carried out in the presence of a Shape Realty agent, either on a one on one basis or in a controlled open inspection. This allows you to pose any immediate questions to our consultants on the day thus helping you with that all important decision making.

Application Process

You are then required to complete the Shape Tenancy Application form which is submitted in relation to your interest in a particular property. The application form is industry standard and used for all applicants thus eliminating prejudice or favouritism.
In addition to this form we may also confirm current employment as well as seek personal references to confirm your suitability for rental of the property. 

Identification process

All applications are then further supported with relevant identification; the following forms of identification are acceptable:

• Passport
• Birth Certificate
• Drivers Licence
• Proof of Age Card
• Utilities
• Picture ID
• Utilities
• Current Bank Statement
• Car Rego
• Credit Card
• Health Card
• Copy of Last Tenant agreement

Approval 

Providing we are able to make contact with your respective referees and the property owner, application turnaround time is 24 hours. Please note that the property owner has the option to accept or decline your lease offer. Our Property Management team will then notify you upon approval of your application. They will also notify you of any special conditions on the rental agreement, monies owing and will also arrange a sign up and move in date. You will then be required to return to the Shape offices in order to pay two weeks rent as the holding deposit within 24 hours of acceptance.

Paperwork and Payment

You will be required to return to the Shape offices to sign your lease agreement which will also then be signed by the landlord and copies provided to you, and also complete bond forms. Finally you will be required to pay the rental bond which is 4 weeks in advance. These payments need to be made in full prior to the property keys being handed over on the agreed moving in date.

Moving in

Upon moving in to your new rental home you will be provided with an entry condition report. This is an important document outlining an inventory and condition of all structures and furniture (if property rented is partly or fully furnished) which you are required to complete and return to the agency within 3 days of moving in.

On-going assistance

Shape believes in continually strengthening long term business relationships with both Landlords and tenants alike. This is why we maintain communication throughout your tenancy duration, ensuring that your experience is a satisfying one. It also presents regular opportunities to notify us of any concerns or dissatisfactions you may have about either the rental property or indeed the service Shape Realty are providing. 

Property inspections 

Property inspections will be carried out throughout your tenancy, the primary role for this is to keep the owner of the property fully updated on the condition of their property and advise them of any maintenance, if any is required. As the tenant you will be advised in advance of the requirement for an inspection to be carried out, you are not required by law to be present during the inspection however you are more than welcome to attend should you wish to. The inspection again is also an opportunity for you to raise any maintenance concerns that you may have regarding the property. As tenant of the premises nobody knows the property better than you at that time, thus your input is valuable in ensuring the upkeep of the premises.

Maintenance / Repairs

In the event that maintenance requirements arise, Shape is to be your only point of contact. This can be done either via our online Maintenance Forms or by calling our office number. In the event that an emergency should arise out of hours, please call your property manager immediately on: 0431 015 129. If they are unable to take your call at the time then please leave a message and they will get back to you as soon as possible. 

Rental finishes

Should upon completion of your tenancy period you decide to move out, we ask that you complete an RTA Form 13 “Notice of Intention to leave”. We would also ask for you to contact us as soon as possible in order to discuss your move. 
Our website provides you with a helpful bond refund checklist outlining helpful tips on ensuring you get a full refund.
In addition to this we also have a “Shape Rental Completion” form we ask all departing tenants to complete. This enables us to gain your feedback on your experience of renting through Shape and further improve our standards of service for future tenants and also yourself should you return to rent through Shape again in the future.

Certificates

In recognition of tenants who continually keep their rental paid in advance and keep their rental property in good order for a 12 month period, a certificate of recognition is given. This is a recognized certificate that will give you a preferred status should you look to rent a property again in the future through Shape. It is also something that if presented to another agency will give immediate recognition of the fact that you are a model tenant, enhancing the possibility of securing your next ideal rental home.