Environmentally Conscious

Land tax is an annual expense you need to factor into your other outgoings as a property investor. It’s calculated based on the value of your land holdings above a specific threshold. Value thresholds and when land tax is calculated are different in each state, so make sure you stay…

As the financial year comes to an end, it’s time to get everything prepared so you can complete your tax return. Taking proactive measures now is essential to ensure a seamless and efficient tax filing process for you and your accountant. By getting organised early, you can minimise administrative challenges…

As winter approaches, it’s essential to get some key jobs done to ensure your investment property is prepared for the cooler months ahead. The season brings cooler temperatures, increased moisture, and stronger winds, all of which can pose risks to your property. This is also a time when snap temperature…

There are many different factors to consider when setting a budget for maintenance on your investment property. The age of the home will play a large part in this decision. There are a number of formulas for maintenance, the most common is the 1% rule – which is the maintenance…

One of the most common changes to a lease agreement is the change to the tenants listed on the agreement. When everyone agrees to this change, it can be a simple process however there are some main points to remember. To change co-tenants during a tenancy, you need to: Get…

We have had an increase recently of complaints about electricity bills increasing significantly in the past 6 months. Many tenants are checking in with their property managers thinking that there might be something wrong with their power supply or with the hot water system. Ergon Energy are the only suppliers…

One of the biggest disputes we see as a property manager is over rental increases. We often hear: “I’m a good tenant, I pay rent on time and keep the property clean – why are they increasing the rent?” Or we hear: “The owners haven’t done anything to improve the…

Toowoomba Regional Council held their special meeting recently to discuss many fees and charges. These new increases will mostly affect landlords and property owners but the water charges will affect tenants. The new water usage charges are: 1st tier – $3.09, 2nd Tier – $5.25. Now is a great time…

The end of financial year is fast approaching and with that comes a lot of rifling through shoeboxes and urgent calls to the accountant. If tax time makes you hyperventilate or this is the first time you are claiming on expenses for your rental property, we have a few small…

Communication is the key! I don’t think I said that. That’s not what I said. You didn’t tell me that. These are things you never want to hear when managing a property. These phrases can be the start of some difficult situations and don’t often end well. Communication is something…