For Residential Owners / Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to lease my property?
At Utopia, our average time to lease your property varies depending on market conditions, however in recent months it has averaged less than 21 days. We begin marketing your property the day it becomes available to rent and unlike many other real estate companies, we have a team of specialised leasing consultants focused solely on finding you a qualified tenant in the quickest possible time.
When you find an applicant for my property, how do you qualify them?
We strive to provide you with the calibre of tenants that you want in your rental property. This includes: An interview with one of our highly experienced senior property managers. A 100 point identification check. A detailed tenancy database search Verification from their current/former landlords/agents Verification of their employment Verification that can afford the rent and all other monies payable under the tenancy agreement. In addition to the normal financial qualifications, we always try to accommodate the housing needs of our tenants to ensure the property they rent is convenient to their work, shopping and desired school district.
This will help to ensure that they will be happy tenants and remain longer in your rental property. Unless you instruct otherwise, all tenancy applicants, once interviewed and reference checked by us, will be presented to you for approval before any tenancy documentation is entered into.
How quickly do you process the rent statements to property owners?
We pride ourselves on quick processing of rent statements. We close off our monthly accounts on the last day of every month. Rent statements will be e-mailed to you on the same day or they will be posted to you on the following Monday. Unless you instruct otherwise, your rent monies will be deposited into your bank account by electronic funds transfer (EFT) on the next working day after our monthly close off date. We can also arrange a mid-month payment on the 15th of each month should you request it.
How often, and how are property inspections conducted?
When your property is vacant, we inspect it at least once a week. During a tenant's occupancy, we carry out routine inspections every 3 months. When the tenants give notice of their intention to vacate the property we carry out a short pre-vacating inspection of the property to: - ensure the tenant gives the property back in the same condition the received it (fair wear and tear expected) and ascertain if any essential work is required to make the property ready for re-letting. When the tenants vacated your property we carry out a detailed outgoing inspection. If damage is found or cleaning is necessary, we make the necessary deductions from the tenants' rental bond.
What if I want to sell my property, can Utopia Rentals help?
Yes, we have 'teamed up' with the best real estate sales companies in our market area to sell your property. For information on how we can help you sell your property, call or email us.
How are rental collections handled?
Our rental collection policies are as follows: All rents are due either monthly or fortnightly in advance. If your tenant is 5 days late with their rent, they are personally phoned, faxed, emailed or sent a text message. Tenants who are 10 days late with their rent are personally phoned or visited by a senior property manager. If the outstanding rent has not then been paid within 2 days, we will contact you to advise you of the situation and to seek your instructions regarding possible termination of the tenancy. Once the tenant is 15 days late with the rent, subject to your instructions, we serve the tenant with a Termination Notice requiring the tenant to vacate the property within 14 days.
Are you the cheapest property management business in the area?
Probably not. Because we believe we are the best property management business in the area, we employ the best quality people who are focused on providing a level of service unsurpassed in the industry. We have found that charging a discount price means a lower level of service. Therefore, we charge a competitive fee commensurate with the high quality of service we provide to our clients.
Why should I choose Utopia Property Management?
In two words, 'Experience' and 'Expertise'. Our clients know that our people make the difference. If you have a residential rental property in the Greater Noosa Area there is no better choice than Utopia Property Management.