Renting My Property whilst I’m on the Road

To help with my mortgage, whilst away, I have decided to rent out my flat.  I am nervous about the prospect, but it should cover  at least 50% of my loan so I would be a fool not to.  That would certainly give me a lot more spending money in Nepal!!!

Tuesday, I got off my back side and phoned an agency.  Has  a property manager was coming first thing, this morning I was up at a godly hour cleaning my bathroom.  What with airbnb (no potential lodgers yet!!!) and now this, my flat has never looked so tidy.

I have little experience of being a landlord, so this is new territory for me.  Until 2 years ago, I have always been in the renters shoes, so I didn’t quite know what to expect.  First impressions, she seemed very nice.  A typical estate agent.  I made her take her shoes off, so not to damage my wooden floor with her stilettos. 

She did not think it would be a problem renting it for only 4 months.  A lot of overseas visitors look for a short term let, so that sounds promising.

I am planning on renting my flat furnished.  That would mean a lot less hassle, since if I had to place everything in storage that would have been a complete mare.  I just need to pack away my personal belongs, bed linen and anything I couldn’t bare to lose.  The agency will provide an inventory of all remaining items, so if the tenant does go on the rampage they will be held accountable.

I will need to cancel Electric and Gas just before I leave, so if the tenant decides to live in desert like conditions I have not got to stump the bill. 

I have a few things I need to fix around the house, so that the tenant won’t annoy her.  Not sure why a temperamental washing machine can’t be seen as a quirky feature.

It was short and sweet meeting, but it all sounded good.

Tonight I had a quick flick through the literature:

  • Letting Fees – 1 week’s rents
  • Management Fee – 7% of rent collected
  • Lease preparation fee – $20 AUD
  • Admin charges – $5 per month
  • Advertising – $75
  • Plus 10% GST (Good Services Tax – for any non Aussies)

Hmmmm, certainly a lot of fees.  This morning I was happy to go with Miss Stilettos but I might check one more agency to see if they are competitive.  However, for me it is more important I get a good agency, that will choose good tenants, than save a few pennies. When I am TEFLing in Nepal – I DO NOT want to be stressing over my little flat.

Well that’s it for tonight, night night

The Wanderer x

4 thoughts on “Renting My Property whilst I’m on the Road

  1. Enjoyed the section of Renting out your property as I am intending to do something similar with my flat. Great to see the detailed costs hope Miss Stilettos works out for you.

  2. I think a temperamental washing machine can be a quirky feature. Add a couple of goldfish and some plants (water plants rather than pot plants preferably!) and it makes a unique and interesting fish tank. Don’t forget to warn the tenants not to put it on fast spin cycle as goldfish vomit when span at over 1000 rpm.

    Interesting blog!

Leave a Reply to rupaul Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


*