A licensed real estate agent is able to represent landlords, vendors, buyers and of course tenants. It’s a little-known fact! But what exactly does a tenant’s agent do?

Renter’s Agents Represent Tenants

In my work, I predominantly find rental homes for tenants. I use my experience, knowledge and skill to locate, research, evaluate, inspect and secure homes on behalf of my clients. But there is so much more, too.

In different times, I have been called on to help my clients with many other queries. Things such as:

• Am I now paying too much rent?

• How can I negotiate the rent with my property manager / landlord?

• Should I move or stay?

• I believe my rent increase is excessive. What can I do?

• My landlord has said I can only have a rent reduction if I agree to undertake all ongoing property repairs. Is that legal?

Right up to representing my clients in their negotiations with property managers and even extending to representation at tribunal if necessary.

Renting is a daunting process and countless times, I am baffled, disappointed and even flabbergasted at what some landlords and agents are asking their tenants to do or forego. Many perhaps assume that renters don’t know their rights, don’t want to make a fuss, fear retaliatory eviction or retaliatory rent increases. Renters can fear:

• If I ask for certain repairs / maintenance to be carried out, they’ll increase my rent when I renew my lease

• If I don’t agree to this rent increase, they’ll terminate my lease, even though I’m pretty sure the rent they’re asking me to pay is too high

• Saying no to routine inspections requested with less than seven days’ notice

• Amounts taken from their bond if the home was not professionally cleaned at the end of the tenancy even when pets were not kept at the property

• Making complaints for fear of their lease not being renewed

The Residential Tenancy Act fairly balances a tenant’s rights and responsibilities with a landlord’s rights and responsibilities, and the Fair Trading website clearly articulates each side’s rights and obligations. Tenants’ rights are protected by law and renters usually have nothing to fear.

Melissa Maimann is a licensed real estate agent, buyer's agent and rental search / relocation agent in Sydney. She saves renters valuable time and frustration offering an affordable service that finds and secures the best rental properties quickly, easily and effortlessly. If you need a Licensed Real Estate Agent to find your next rental home for you, don't hesitate to make contact.