Renting a property for the first time can be a bit confusing because there is so much information you need to know. At MCM Property Services we want to make renting through us as easy and stress free as possible. This is why we have outlined the answers to the most common questions asked by tenants.

If your question is not listed or if you would like further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to help!

Tenant Information
What are your office hours?
How do I pay my rent?
What happens if I am late with my rent?
When do you inspect the property?
What do I do if I need another set of keys?
Can I put up picture hooks or wall mounts for a flat screen TV?
Can I sub-let a vacant room?
What do I do if I need to break my lease?
What do I do if I want to terminate my lease?

Our office hours are:
Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm
Saturday 8.30am - 12.00pm

If you have an emergency outside of these hours, please send an email marked URGENT in the subject line or leave a voicemail message.

If your emergency relates to a repair, please refer to the emergency repairers listed on your tenancy agreement.

If your emergency relates to your health or safety please contact 000.

For all other non-urgent matters, please email your enquiry and we will respond on the next business day.

You must ensure that your rent is always paid at least 2 weeks in advance. We recommend using our quick and easy online payment system which enables a simple “set and forget” direct debit payment method from your bank account or credit card.

Other methods of payment accepted by our office are personal cheque, bank cheque or money order made out to “MCM Property Services Pty Ltd Trust Account”. Please be aware that if paying by cheque, you must ensure that you post your payment to us at least seven (7) days prior to your due date to allow for postage and cheque clearance delays.

All payments must be made using your unique tenant code as a reference. Failure to provide your tenant code may result in additional bank fees being charged to you for the trace of your deposit. Payments made using a cheque or money order must state (on the reverse or accompanying statement) the tenant reference code, contact phone number and what the payment is for.

Water usage and/or other tenant related expenses may also be paid using any of the above methods.

At MCM Property Services we enforce a strict policy on rental arrears. If at any time you feel that you will be unable to pay your rent on or before the due date you must contact our office to discuss your situation.

We make every attempt to work with our tenants and landlords to resolve financial issues. For this to be possible we must be kept updated at all times about your financial situation. Any delay in notifying us of issues with paying your rent may restrict our ability to provide alternative arrangements.

Failure to resolve arrears matters after 14 days will result in the termination of your tenancy. This information may also be lodged with a tenancy reference (“black list”) database.

At MCM Property Services our objective is to ensure that we work together with you and the property owner to maintain the condition of the property. Part of this process is conducting regular inspections of the property.

Under the Residential Tenancy Act 2010 we are permitted to conduct periodic inspections of the property up to 4 times per year. The first inspection will be carried out 4-6 weeks from the start of the tenancy, then every 3, 4 or 6 months depending on the requirements of the landlord and the property.

We will always provide you with at least 7 days written notice prior to the inspection and will make every effort to schedule the inspection for a time that is convenient. We encourage our tenants to be present during the inspection to assist us with identifying any issues or areas of concern.

If you cannot be present at the inspection, we ask that you complete our pre-inspection checklist to identify any repairs, maintenance or issues that you would like us to inspect.

MCM Property Services encourages and appreciates the involvement and co-operation of our tenants. 

Each lease holder is entitled to receive a full set of keys and opening devices at the commencement of the tenancy. Should a key or opening device be lost of damaged during the lease, the tenant will be responsible for any replacement costs. 

If you require any additional sets of keys, please be aware that you must obtain prior approval from our office and you will be responsible for all costs.

Should you wish to change any locks, you must notify us prior and it is your responsibility to provide our office with a new set of keys within 7 days of the locks being changed. All costs associated with the change and the supply of the new set of keys to our office will be the responsibility of the tenant.

All keys, including any additional sets must be returned to MCM Property Services upon vacating the property. The tenant will continue to be liable for rent until all keys are returned. 

Under the Residential Tenancy Act a tenant is not permitted to make any changes to the property without seeking prior approval. This includes but is not limited to the following:

• installing picture hooks;
• fixing any item to a wall, including a wall mounted flat screen television;
• painting of any kind;
• removing any fixed item.

Prior to making any changes to the property you MUST email your property manager with your request and provide exact details of what you would like to do. Upon receiving approval from the landlord your property manager will then provide you with written consent outlining what work is permitted and any conditions that are applicable. 

Your tenancy agreement states the maximum number of people that may occupy the property during the lease. If at any time you wish to change the lease holders (add or subtract) or if you wish to sub-let any part of the property, you must seek approval from the landlord prior to making any changes.

Failure to notify us of any change to occupants will result in a breach of your tenancy agreement and may be grounds for termination.

If at any time you need to end your tenancy early you must ensure that you notify us immediately of your intent and follow the required break lease procedure:

Breaking your Lease

If for unforeseen circumstances you need to end your tenancy during the fixed term you are required to notify us immediately in writing  by completing the Break Lease Notice template located in the Tenant Resources section. Breaking your lease early means that you will incur early exit fees as outlined in your tenancy agreement.

A break lease notice may be sent to us using one of the following methods:

• Posted to PO Box 438, Baulkham Hills NSW 1755
• Scanned as a PDF and emailed to melanie@mcmpropertyservices.com.au
• Hand delivered to your property manager.

Under the break lease term of your tenancy agreement, you will be instructed as to whether a standard “break lease” fee applies. This will be equivalent to 6 weeks rent if vacating in the first half of the tenancy or 4 weeks rent if vacating in the second half of the tenancy. The alternative break lease fee structure is to continue to pay rent until a replacement tenant moves into the property. It is typical in this instance for the outgoing tenant to also pay for reletting fees such as advertising, letting fee, lease preparation fee. Please refer to your tenancy agreement for the specifics of your break lease agreement. 

In all cases the lease holder(s) will continue to be charged rent until the property is fully vacated:

• all items have been removed from the property, including any rubbish;
• the property has been cleaned to the same standard as it was given at the commencement of the tenancy; and
• all sets of keys have been returned to MCM Property Services.

Once we have received your Break Lease Notice we will confirm your vacating date and send you a Final Inspection Guide which outlines what is required for us to finalise your tenancy and refund your bond.

If you would like to end your tenancy either at the end of the fixed term or after your lease has expired, you must ensure that you notify us immediately of your intent and follow the relevant vacating procedures.

Leaving at the end of your fixed term

If you wish to vacate the property at the end of the fixed term you are required to provide at least 14 days written notice. This notice must be given on the “Vacating Notice” form located in the Tenant Resources section.

Leaving after your lease has expired (a continuing tenancy)

If your lease has already expired and you have not entered into a new fixed term period you are permitted to vacate the property after providing at least 21 days notice. This notice must be given on the “Vacating Notice” form located in the Tenant Resources section. 

A Vacating Notice may be sent to us using one of the following methods:

• Posted to PO Box 438, Baulkham Hills NSW 1755
• Scanned as a PDF and emailed to melanie@mcmpropertyservices.com.au
• Hand delivered to your property manager.

In all cases the lease holder(s) will continue to be charged rent until the property is fully vacated:

• all items have been removed from the property, including any rubbish;
• the property has been cleaned to the same standard as it was given at the commencement of the tenancy; and
• all sets of keys have been returned to MCM Property Services.

Once we have received your Vacating Notice we will confirm your vacating date and send you a Final Inspection Guide which outlines what is required for us to finalise your tenancy and refund your bond.