May, 2009

Renting vs. Buying

Submitted by Michelle on Thu, 05/28/2009 - 20:25

The Federal Government has announced that the current First Home Owners Boost scheme will continue in its current format until October 1, 2009. This means that those buying existing homes will receive $14,000 and those buying new homes $21,000.
Adjustments to the scheme from October 1, 2009 will see the First Home Owners Boost scheme halved. Which means those buying existing homes will receive $10,500 and those buying new homes $14,000.

As of December 1, 2009 the First Home Owners Boost scheme will cease and the existing $7,000 grant will continue to be available to all first home buyers.

Changes to Residential Bonds in Tas

Submitted by Michelle on Mon, 05/25/2009 - 12:20

Important Info about Changes to Rental Bonds in Tas

On 1 July 2009 a new authority will collect and manage rental bonds on behalf of property owners and tenants. This is known as the Rental Deposit Authority (RDA). Any bonds paid on or after 1 July 2009 must be paid to the RDA.

The rental bond (also known as a security deposit) is money paid by the tenant as security for the property. The bond money must be forwarded within three (3) days. Bonds can be paid at Service Tasmania shops but can also be mailed directly to the RDA. Tenants will have the option of paying the bond directly to the RDA if they want to.

"Fair Wear & Tear"

Submitted by Michelle on Wed, 05/13/2009 - 18:45

The concept of fair wear and tear on rental property is one topic that many landlords and tenants find confusing.

Generally speaking, at the end of a tenancy, the tenant is responsible for leaving the premises in as close to the same condition as they found it. To describe this requirement, many lease agreements include the phrase ‘fair wear and tear excepted'.