Renter FAQs

A rental agreement is a legal contract between a renter and a rental provider. Before signing your rental agreement, you should read it, and make sure you understand it. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask your property manager.

Once you have signed your rental agreement, HomeGround Real Estate will provide you with a copy within 14 days. You will also receive a copy of Renting a home: a guide for renters from Consumer Affairs Victoria.

A bond is a security deposit a renter pays at the start of a rental agreement. Your bond is held by the Residential Tenancy Bond Authority (RTBA) and is paid back to you at the end of your tenancy as long as no money is owed to the rental provider, there is no damage to the property and the property is returned in good repair (including cleaning).

Your bond amount is equivalent to one month’s rent, unless otherwise specified in our advertising. Your bond must be paid in full via bank transfer at the start of your tenancy.

If you are eligible for bond assistance via the Department of Housing, they will provide you with a bond voucher. Please be sure to let your property manager know you will be paying your bond by this method.

You must pay your first month’s rent in full prior to HomeGround handing you the keys to your new property. All rental payments are normally due monthly thereafter, but in some circumstances, they may be weekly or fortnightly. Rent is normally paid via electronic bank transfer, but you can also elect Centrepay. If you have any difficulties paying rent, contact your property manager as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Your property manager will inspect your property approximately three months into your tenancy and then every six months going forward. This is in line with the Residential Tenancies Act (1997) Allowance for General Inspections. The purpose of the inspection is to ensure that the property is being well maintained and also to assess any routine maintenance requirements.

Your property manager will contact you via email and SMS with a proposed date and time. If you would like to arrange a different time, we will do our best to accommodate your request but you will need to contact your property manager directly and as soon as possible.

We will provide you with keys at the commencement of your tenancy and a spare set of keys may be held at the HomeGround Real Estate agency. However, it is recommended that you make your own arrangements for a spare set of keys that you can leave with a trusted family member or friend, in case you lock yourself out of your home.

If you get locked out of home during office hours, you may be able to borrow a spare set if we have one at the agency. You will require photo identification when you sign for the keys, and they must be returned within 24 hours of issue. The full cost of key and remote / swipe replacement will be charged if you fail to return the borrowed keys.

If you are locked out of home outside of office hours, you are responsible for the cost of a locksmith. Please contact Wynns Locksmiths: 03 9495 1122.

You are responsible for home contents insurance while you live in a rented property. We would advise you to take out insurance to protect your personal property during your tenancy. Rental providers do not have any obligations to insure your personal items.

You can make a repair and maintenance request by contacting your property manager directly. We will respond to your requests in a timely and efficient manner.

For urgent after-hours maintenance issues, please call: 03 9288 9666. Or if you require a locksmith, please contact Wynns Locksmiths: 03 9495 1122.

If you haven’t already let HomeGround Real Estate know about your plans to move out and end your lease, please get in touch with your property manager as soon as possible. You have certain rights and responsibilities when you vacate your property, and your property manager can answer any questions you may have.

To make your move as simple as possible, we’ve prepared a handy vacating checklist for you. Download and print it now.

Welcome to HomeGround Real Estate! To make moving into your new home a breeze, we’ve partnered with My Connect. Now that your lease application has been approved, you will receive a call from one of MyConnect’s friendly staff to save you time, effort, and money. MyConnect offers services for electricity, gas, water, insurance, internet, phone, pay TV, and truck hire. To find out more, visit https://www.myconnect.com.au/story.

Yes! It’s called the ‘Affordable Housing Initiative.’ Occasionally a wonderful Property Owner will agree to offer their property at a below market rent discount for low-income earners. You will need to meet HomeGround eligibility criteria in order to apply for available properties listed at below market rent. Eligibility criteria is listed on the applicable property listings. Search property listings now.

Unfortunately, no. HomeGround is like any other real estate agency. The only difference is our profits are passed on to Victoria’s largest homelessness organisation, Launch Housing, instead of going back into our pockets.

Occasionally a wonderful Property Owner will agree to offer their property at a discount for low-income earners. These properties will be listed on our website as affordable rent or social rent properties. You will need to meet certain eligibility criteria to apply for available properties listed at below market rent.

If you are currently at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness, please get in touch with Launch Housing or one of the other services listed on our Assistance for Renters page.

Unfortunately, HomeGround Real Estate does not provide direct support services. If you are currently at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness, please get in touch with Launch Housing or one of the other services listed on our Assistance for Renters page.