We are all aware that litigation is common in our society today, being influenced by the litigious attitudes.

With newspaper, television and internet media commonly making us aware of litigation cases for the purposes of maximising readership and selling advertising space, the result of that exposure is that litigation has become more commonplace.

Property management is in no way immune to litigation and one area of concern is injury to tenants and/or their visitors or damage to property caused by tradespeople. As professional agents, it is our duty to ensure that all tradespeople are screened not only for their qualifications, but also to ensure that they have adequate public liability insurance.

However, we do come across landlords from time to time who wish to contract their own tradespeople, not being aware if they have adequate qualifications or the right insurance cover should something go wrong. Where a landlord chooses to do this, we are unable to deal with these preferred tradespeople directly because we have no way of knowing they are qualified or insured to perform the work required, leaving us exposed to risk.

So, because of this we insist with our clients that all work be performed by OUR qualified tradespeople, specially selected for their quality and reasonable rates.

A Fixed Term Tenancy Agreement is an agreement that has a set or fixed expiry date and cannot be extended past that date. There are no continuation or carry over provisions on such agreements.

A Fixed Term Agreement occurs commonly when a property is on the market for sale or the owner intends to re-occupy the property at a specified date.

It is vital that all parties remain aware that notice is required to deliver vacant possession at the end of the fixed term.

Please be assured that we will act accordingly to ensure that the tenancy is ended on the specified date.

What happens when the fixed term of the tenancy agreement ends?

There is a common misconception regarding the expiration of a fixed term tenancy agreement that the renter can vacate without notice or the renter provider can gain possession on that date.

For a tenancy to be legally ended the tenancy is to be terminated in accordance with tenancy legislation.

In order for a tenancy to be terminated by either party the following needs to occur:

1) The agent/renter provider gives the renter notice.
2) The renter gives the agent notice.
3) The property is abandoned.
4) The Tribunal orders vacant possession.

Tenancy legislation clearly details the notice required by either party to end the tenancy depending on the reason, such as the end of a fixed term, periodic agreement, property sold or renter provider moving into the property.

If you require vacant possession it is important that you discuss this with us. Please do not assume that as the agreement has expired or is about to expire that you can get immediate possession of the property. Proper notice is to be served upon the renter to ensure that you can legally gain possession of the property with undue delay.

Regardless of the type of hot water system you use, here is a number of common-sense ways to reduce the amount of hot water you use and pay for:

• Install a low-flow shower head for a satisfying shower using the minimum amount of water.
• Take shorter showers. Use a shower timer to encourage your household to take four-minute showers.
• Wash your clothes in cold water where possible.
• Fix dripping taps.
• Insulate exposed hot water pipes with closed-cell rubber insulation, available from hardware stores.
• Service and maintain your hot water system using a licensed tradesperson according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Plan for your hot water system’s replacement, especially if it’s more than ten years old. Choose a hot water system to suit your household’s needs.

Choose an energy efficient hot water system

The type of hot water system you have makes a big difference to your energy bills. There are a range of energy efficient hot water heaters to choose from, depending on your fuel source, household size, budget and preference for instantaneous or storage systems. Choose the right hot water system for your needs and use it wisely, and you can save energy and lower your hot water costs.

Electric hot water systems

Electric storage hot water systems – the most common type in Victoria – heat water with an element in the bottom of the unit and store it in an insulated tank, ready for use throughout the day. Electric hot water systems are the cheapest to buy but the most expensive to run.

Gas hot water systems

A high efficiency gas hot water system is one of the most economical types of water heaters, when operated on natural gas. Gas and electricity prices are rising, so if you have a conventional gas or electric hot water system that needs replacing, consider a more efficient gas or solar hot water system.

Solar hot water systems

A solar hot water system is more expensive to buy and install, but the running costs will be significantly lower. The cheapest and most environmentally friendly type of water heating to run is natural gas-boosted solar.

Heat-pump water heaters

A heat-pump water heater uses heat from the surrounding air to heat water in a storage tank. A heat-pump water heater uses much less electricity than an electric storage water heater, but are generally better suited to warmer climates.