Changing Real Estate Agents and Property Managers is actually easier than you think, so don’t be intimidated if you are not happy with their performance.

You certainly don’t have to wait until a tenancy finishes.

You don’t need to sign a new lease agreement with your tenant, because the management agreement is between you and the Agent.

If tenants leave, you will still need to give notice to terminate the Agreement with the Agent and, the notice should be effective immediately if the property is vacant, depending on your specific agreement.

Here are some key points to remember when you want to switch Agents (or use RealRenta to manage & save $$$$) :

• Give 28 days notice in writing, stating the termination date and referencing the following items that you will need to collect: The Lease, Application form, keys, condition reports, signed change of owner bond form and an up to date tenant ledger.
• If you get any resistance, make sure you highlight any failures in service ie missed inspections, lack of communication etc
• Advise your tenant when you will be switching over and if you are using a Self Management platform like RealRenta, get your tenants to create their profile (Tenants are always Free on RealRenta).
• Remind your agent in writing 2 days before the switch over date
• Pick up your items on the switch over day
• Notify your tenant and set up your rent payments. You can get your tenants to pay their rent via Bpay or Direct Debit on RealRenta.
• Fill out a new Bond Form and then submit to the relevant Bond Authority.
• Organise an inspection and upload all forms onto the RealRenta platform for your records and audit purposes.
• You will still need to pay for Advertising if the Agent started advertising your property before you give notice- however, check to see if the Agreement states that costs are payable only when a tenant is found.
• Whoever signed the original management agreement needs to sign the termination notice
• You can use RealRenta for Free for up to 2 months to automatically manage your property, visit www.realrenta.com.au