Increases to service charges are now capped at 5%
All customers were originally advised of increases up to 10% in this year’s water and sewerage charges. In November 2009, the State Government announced that a new, lower cap of 5% will apply to your total account.
If you paid an increase of 5% or less on your total water and sewerage account, then the amounts you owe remain the same.
If your total water and sewerage account for 2009/10 increased by more than 5%, your account has now been adjusted

The Residential Tenancy Act 1997 is very specific as to the rights and responsibilities of landlords/agents and tenants when it comes to the payment of rent for a tenancy.

Rent in Advance
Rent is required to be paid in advance during the term of the lease whether it be for a fixed term lease or a non-fixed term lease.
For example: You move in on July 1st and you pay rent every fortnight. You will pay rent on July 1st and that will cover you for the fortnight from July 1st to July 14th.

It is important to remember one of the most important aspects of moving... Don't forget to insure your precious belongings! I have had many situations where tenants have forgotten to arrange contents insurance and they have experienced a flood or fire damage only to find their belongings are not insured. Even where the damage has been caused as a result of a fault with the property. The Owner has the building insured for risks such as storm or fire but any damage to contents is excluded from the policy.

It’s becoming more and more common for real estate agencies to conduct rental property open homes, particularly when vacancy rates are low. Some property manager's suggest that open homes are a good way to handle the demand and manage the enquiry. But what do prospective tenants think about rental open homes and how do they affect you as a property investor?