Commonly Asked Questions

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Listed below are answers to the most commonly asked tenancy questions;

1. How do I apply for a property?

Applying for a property is simple, you can either complete our online application form (powered by tenant options), or if you prefer pen to paper, simply download our tenant application form. All required fields need to be completed - obviously the more info you provide, the better. All applications must be accompanied by your proof of identification documentation. Once these documents are received, you will then be considered for the property. A cover letter explaining your situation and offering some information about yourself is also helpful. Click here to be redirected to our Trove PM Tenant Application Form

2. Do I have to pay a bond?

Yes. Any property that is $250 per week and under will attract four (4) weeks worth of bond. Any property over $250 will attract (6) weeks worth of bond. Your bond and the first two weeks rent must be paid before the tenancy commences and we hand over the keys. The bond is then lodged and held for the duration of the tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board of SA – a division of the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs.

You can ease the pain of paying your rental bond with easyBondpay, which is essentially a bond loan company. For more info, click here.

Upon vacating the premises the bond will be refunded once it is determined that the property has been left in the same condition as at the commencement of the tenancy, and that there are no outstanding monies owing.

3. Do I have to pay for water?

Yes. As a tenant you will be responsible for paying for all of your water usage, and the quarterly water supply charge, however the good news is the landlord is responsible for paying the Sewer Levy. We will invoice you every quarter, with a copy of the original water account attached. You can then pay these accounts to Trove just as you would your rent.

4. What happens with Electricity, Gas & Telephone?

Once you have been approved for a property, you will need to arrange for connection of Electricity and any other service such as gas, internet, phone etc with the supplier of your choice. You can simplify this process with a connection company like direct connect who take care of all this for you! Contact your property manager if you would like to know more, or click here...

Oh, and don't forget to disconnect your services! This is really important to ensure you are not being billed for when you no longer live there!

5. Will there be inspections?

Yes. As you can imagine, you are moving into a really expensive asset and its our role to care for you and the property. Every Quarter we will carry out a routine inspection. At this time we will be checking that the property is being well cared for (it is expected the property is maintained in the same condition as at the initial condition report provided at the commencement of the lease) and also to identify any maintenance that needs to be carried out.

If there are items that need to be addressed by the tenant, it may be necessary for us to conduct a 'follow up' inspection to ensure items that require attention have been rectified.

Seven to fourteen days notice will be provided of the inspection and access can be gained with our office keys in the event you are unavailable during the inspection.

A final or 'exit' inspection will be undertaken once you have vacated the property to ensure the property has been left in the same condition as at the commencement of your tenancy (allowing for fair wear and tear).

6. How do I report maintenance?

We encourage our tenants to report maintenance, even if it is only minor. Reporting maintenance is as simple as picking up the phone, or by lodging a request via your secure tenant portal. For any after hours emergency maintenance please ring the office number (8386 1555) to be diverted to the on call property manager. Please ensure you leave your name, phone number and details of your emergency. For more info, please visit the 'Need Maintenance' section under tenants.

7. Do I need insurance?

Yes! It is the responsibility of the tenant to insure their belongings (contents) whilst at the premises. This is extremely important to ensure you are protected against any loss arising from break in or inadvertent property damage (eg. storm or water damage) etc. It is the responsibility of the Landlord to insure the building and the fixed contents that remain at the premises such as air conditioners, window treatments etc.

8. Do I have to maintain the gardens?

Yes. Unless specifically excluded in your lease it is a tenant responsibility to maintain gardens and grounds such as watering, mowing, weeding and edging. It is the responsibility of your landlord to maintain gutters and trim trees. Should you have difficulty maintaining your garden please speak to your Property Manager who can organise gardening at minimal expense.

9. How do I get keys?

Upon signing of your lease and paying in full your bond and two weeks rent you will be provided with the keys to your property. A duplicate key to all properties is retained by Trove Property Management to allow access for routine inspections, and in case of emergency. Under special circumstances these keys may be borrowed during office hours, however must be returned on the same day. Identification will be required and no after hours service is available out of office hours or on public holidays. It is advisable that you make private arrangements regarding the location of your spare key should you inadvertently lock yourself out.

Locks may only be changed after obtaining permission from Trove Property Management. In this event, a spare set of keys must be supplied out our office within twenty four (24 hours).

10. How do I pay my rent?

Rent is paid directly into our licensed Trust Account via a number of options;

  • BPay
  • Centrepay*
  • DEFT Payment System, enabling payment by credit card

* Trove Property Management is registered with Centrelink for 'Centre Pay' payment deductions. This enables tenants receiving Centrelink payments to have the rent deducted directly from their payment each fortnight.

11. How do I terminate my tenancy?

Your Residential Tenancy Agreement is a legal and binding contract, providing protection for both you and your Landlord. If you need to terminate your Tenancy Agreement it can be done in the following ways;

  • If you have a 'Fixed Term' Residential Tenancy Agreement you are required to give twenty eight (28) days written notice prior to the expiration of the lease of your intention to vacate.
  • If you have a 'Periodic' Residential Tenancy Agreement you are required to give twenty one (21) days written notice prior to the expiration of the lease of your intention to vacate.
  • If you need to 'Break' your lease and vacate prior to the end of the term, please contact your property manager immediately. In these circumstances you will be responsible for payment of rent until the commencement of the next tenancy agreement, and there will be some associated lease break costs. Trove Property Management will work diligently in this situation to minimize this expense.

12. What do I do when I vacate the property?

When vacating the premises it is important that you leave the property in the same condition as at the commencement of your lease. It is a good idea to refer back to your 'initial inspection' and photo's. Items that are often forgotten to be carried out during the busy time of moving are;

  • Ensuring professional steam cleaning of carpets
  • Cleaning of ovens, grillers, hotplates and exhausts
  • Cleaning of ceiling fans, light fittings and air conditioning vents
  • Cleaning of windows, window tracks and flyscreens
  • Removal of cobwebs, inside and out
  • Mowing and edging of lawns
  • Weeding of gardens
  • Removal of rubbish

Once you have vacated the property and returned your keys your final or 'exit' inspection will be conducted upon which time your property manager will compare the condition and cleanliness of items to your original inspection report and photo's. Any items that have been missed will be discussed with you and at that time we will determine the course of action for completing to the appropriate standard. Once all items have been restored to the original condition (allowing for fair wear and tear) and all outstanding monies have been paid (or deducted from the bond), the bond refund will be lodged.

Remember upon vacating to finalise your electricity, gas and telephone accounts and to organise mail redirection.

13. How do I get my bond back?

Bonds are held in trust by the Consumer & Business Services of SA. Click here to view their tips on getting your bond back promptly.

14. Further questions?

Please don't hesitate to contact your property manager, or our office if you have any further questions.

Tenants