5 Steps to Listing your property for rent
- Sign the Form 6: Required by law in QLD before we can manage your property. This ensures exclusive representation and compliance.
- Provide Insurance Details: A valid landlord insurance policy is essential to protect your rental property and income.
- Hand Over Keys, Codes & Access: Secure and documented access allows us to carry out inspections and maintenance efficiently.
- Body Corporate & Pool Safety Compliance: If applicable, provide certificates to ensure your property meets regulations.
- Prepare for Tenants: A clean, safe, and well-presented property helps attract quality tenants faster.
W.H.Y –> We Help You
Signing the Form 6
Before we can advertise or manage your rental property, a Form 6 Appointment of Property Agent must be fully completed and signed. This step is a legal requirement under the Property Occupations Act and ensures that WHY Property Investment is authorised to represent you exclusively as your property manager.
Landlord Insurance
A valid landlord insurance policy is essential before renting your property. Your insurance must include public liability coverage of at least $10 million and be current at all times. It should also cover loss of rent, tenant default, and malicious damage.
Keys, Codes & Property Access
We require three full sets of keys to be handed over prior to listing your property. Two sets are provided to tenants, while WHY Property Investment retains one for routine inspections, emergencies, and authorised maintenance.
Body Corporate & Pool Safety Compliance
If your property is part of a body corporate, we require a copy of the relevant by-laws. For properties with a swimming pool, a current Pool Safety Certificate is mandatory under legislation.
Preparing Your Property for Tenants
Your rental property must be presented in a clean, safe, and compliant condition before tenants move in. This includes meeting all tenancy legislation requirements and ensuring the property is ready for immediate occupancy.
Rental Property Checklist for Landlords
Safety & Compliance
- Smoke alarms: Ensure smoke detectors are installed and compliant with smoke alarm legislation.
- Glass & windows: Check all glass, including shower screens, to ensure they comply with current safety standards.
- Balconies & railings: Verify all balconies, stair railings, and balustrades are structurally sound and compliant.
Electrical & Gas Safety
- Appliances & power points: Confirm all appliances, sockets, and switches are safe and in working order.
- Lighting: Ensure light globes, specialty lights, and heat lamps are functional.
- Gas appliances: Have all gas appliances serviced within the last two years.
Security & Access
- Locks: Make sure the property is secure with functioning locks on all doors and windows.
- Keys: Provide at least three full sets of keys, two for tenants and one for property management.
- Remotes & codes: Test all remotes, security codes, and fobs, and replace batteries as required.
- Security systems: If installed, check alarm systems are fully operational.
Insurance & Legal Protection
- Building & public liability insurance: Maintain current policies with liability cover.
- Landlord insurance: Protect yourself against rent default, malicious damage, and tenant-related risks.
Property Maintenance
- Water leaks: Inspect for leaks or water damage that may cause unnecessary costs.
- Trip hazards: Check for uneven pavers, cracked concrete, or tree roots.
- Gutters: Clear leaves and debris to avoid blockages.
- Gardens: Arrange a gardener if needed to maintain lawns and outdoor areas.
Pool & Body Corporate Compliance
- Pool safety: Ensure pool fencing meets state legislation, gates self-close, and chemicals are balanced.
- Pool Safety Certificate: Provide a current safety certificate if the property has a pool.
- Body corporate rules: Supply up-to-date by-laws if the property is part of a complex.
Tenant-Ready Features
- Blinds & curtains: Check they have child safety clips to meet legislation.
- General condition: Present the property clean, tidy, and compliant with rental laws to reduce vacancy and attract high-quality tenants.
Common questions many INVESTORS have
How to obtain higher returns on your rental property?
Maximising rental returns comes down to a mix of presentation, pricing strategy, and proactive property management. At WHY Property Investment, we guide landlords through proven steps that improve tenant demand and rental yield while reducing costly vacancy periods.
Key strategies to increase rental return:
- Presentation matters: Well-presented properties attract quality tenants willing to pay more. A fresh coat of paint, updated lighting, or adding modern appliances such as a dishwasher can significantly boost rental appeal.
- Smart upgrades: Strategic improvements, such as air conditioning, security systems, or energy-efficient features, add long-term value and justify higher weekly rent.
- Market-based pricing: Setting rent too high can increase vacancy, while pricing in line with demand ensures your property is rented quickly with minimal downtime.
- Ongoing maintenance: Regular upkeep and compliance with safety regulations (including smoke alarms, pool safety, and electrical checks) reassure tenants and support consistent rent growth.
Below are some factors we consider when marketing your property:
- Tenant demand: Seasonal trends, local employment, and nearby amenities influence how much tenants are willing to pay.
- Comparable rentals: We analyse current listings in your suburb to benchmark rent accurately.
- Recent results: By reviewing similar properties we’ve successfully rented, we provide data-backed recommendations for maximum returns.
Should I Allow Pets in My Rental Property?
Allowing pets in your rental property can significantly increase tenant demand and reduce vacancy periods, as more renters today own pets and actively seek pet-friendly rentals. However, it also comes with responsibilities, and in Queensland (and across Australia), recent legislation has changed how landlords and property managers must handle pet requests.
Current rental legislation (effective 1 October 2022):
- Tenants are allowed to request approval to keep a pet during their tenancy.
- This request must be made in writing using the Form 21: Request for approval to keep a pet in a rental property.
- Landlords/property managers must respond in writing within 14 days of receiving the request.
- The response must state whether the request is approved or refused.
- The response must state any reasonable conditions for approval, such as pet size restrictions or extra cleaning requirements.
- If the landlord or property manager does not respond within 14 days, or if the refusal does not meet the legal criteria, the pet request is automatically approved by law.
Why consider allowing pets?
- Higher rental yield: Pet-friendly properties often attract higher rent and longer tenancies.
- Lower vacancy rates: A larger pool of prospective tenants.
- Tenant satisfaction: Families and professionals with pets are more likely to stay long-term.
Risks to manage:
- Potential property damage, such as scratched floors or garden wear.
- Additional cleaning costs when tenants vacate.
- Noise complaints if pets are not well-trained.
At WHY Property Investment, we guide landlords through the pet approval process while ensuring legal compliance and protecting your investment.
Do I need Landlord Insurance?
Yes, landlord insurance is considered essential for anyone renting out their property in Australia. It protects you against financial risks that standard home insurance does not cover, such as tenant-related damage, rental default, or liability claims. Most property managers, including WHY Property Investment, strongly recommend that every landlord have an active policy in place before tenants move in.
Why do I need landlord insurance if I have an agent?
Even with a professional property manager screening tenants, unexpected risks still exist. Property managers can reduce the chances of issues, but they cannot guarantee tenant behaviour. Landlord insurance provides a safety net against:
- Rental arrears or unpaid rent.
- Accidental or malicious tenant damage.
- Liability claims if someone is injured on the property.
Having both a property manager and landlord insurance offers complete protection for your investment.
Why do I need landlord insurance if I have a good tenant?
Even the most reliable tenants can face life changes: job loss, illness, relationship breakdown, or financial hardship. These circumstances can lead to unpaid rent, property neglect, or early lease termination. Landlord insurance ensures you are covered for losses, even when issues are out of your tenant’s control. It’s not about distrust; it’s about being prepared for the unexpected.
What does landlord insurance cover?
A typical landlord insurance policy covers:
- Loss of rental income due to tenant default or early departure.
- Damage to the property, including malicious or accidental damage caused by tenants.
- Legal liability if a tenant or visitor is injured at your property.
- Optional extras such as contents cover for furnished rentals.
Coverage varies by insurer, so always check the inclusions and consult with your provider to ensure the policy suits your property and risk profile.
