Owner FAQs

Usually, yes. Your strata or owner’s corporation may need your tenant’s details, particularly for building access, security, emergency contacts or compliance with building rules. Send us a copy of the current by laws or building rules too – we’ll make sure your tenant knows what they need to know from day one.

You’ll generally remain responsible for the costs associated with owning and maintaining the property – things like rates, land tax in some state, strata or owner’s corporation fees, insurance, maintenance and certain utility or service charges such as water. What you and your tenant each pay can vary depending on the property and where it’s located, so we’ll help you understand what’s yours, what’s theirs and what we can manage on your behalf.

We strongly recommend landlord insurance – even if you already have building insurance or strata cover. Policies vary, but landlord insurance can typically provide additional protection for things like loss of rent, tenant related damage, liability and some legal expenses. It’s worth checking the inclusions, exclusions and excesses carefully so you know exactly what you’re covered for.

A depreciation report, or depreciation schedule, identifies the tax deductions you may be able to claim for the building and its fixtures and fittings over time. It’s prepared by a qualified quantity surveyor and can be well worth having. Your accountant can advise what you can claim and we can connect you with a specialist if you need one.

Yes – and we’ll tell you why. Good property management isn’t just fixing things when they break; it’s identifying preventative maintenance and improvements that may protect the property, improve the tenant experience or support its long-term performance.

As much as you want to be, within reason, but the whole point of having a great Property Manager is that you shouldn’t have to manage the property yourself. We’ll handle the day to day detail, bring you the decisions that need your input and keep you informed without filling your inbox with noise.

Tenants need to follow the appropriate approval process before making modifications. We’ll help you understand the request, any relevant requirements, potential impact on the property and reasonable conditions that can be put in place. The aim is to balance the tenant’s needs with protecting your asset.

Pet legislation differs around Australia, so your options depend on where your property is located and the circumstances of the request. We’ll explain what applies, provide the relevant information about the request and help you make an informed decision.

We’ll assess the request, gather the information needed and contact you for approval where required. For larger jobs we may recommend quotes, while urgent or safety related repairs need to move quickly – either way, we’ll manage the process and keep you informed.

Someone who can comfortably meet their rental obligations, has a positive rental history and references, and is likely to care for your property. We look at the whole application rather than relying on one number or piece of information.

We’ll do the screening, reference checking and assessment, then talk you through the applications and our recommendation. You’ll be involved in the decision within the requirements that apply to your property, our job is to give you the information and advice you need to make a confident choice.

It starts before the application arrives. We position and market the property carefully, meet prospective tenants and then assess applications based on factors such as rental history, income and employment, references and overall suitability, because the strongest tenant isn’t necessarily just the first one through the door.

There’s no magic number because every property and market is different. Our focus is on the right combination of price, presentation, marketing and leasing strategy to create strong enquiry, and we’ll use real market feedback to recommend changes if something isn’t working.

It’s one of the most important records we have. It documents the property’s condition at the beginning of a tenancy and gives us a clear reference point when assessing its condition later, particularly when determining fair wear and tear versus damage.

You’ll receive a report giving you a clear picture of how the property is presenting, supported by relevant photos. We’ll also flag maintenance, preventative works or concerns requiring your attention and if we find something significant, we’d rather pick up the phone and talk it through with you.

We’ll complete routine inspections at the frequency permitted in your state and keep you informed when they’re happening. The purpose isn’t to check up on your tenant – it’s to understand the condition of your asset, identify maintenance early and make sure the tenancy is progressing smoothly.

We monitor rent closely and follow up arrears promptly. If a tenant falls behind, we’ll communicate with them, keep you informed and follow the appropriate process for the state your property is in including escalation where required.

Rental income is collected into the trust account and disbursed to you according to the payment schedule agreed when we set up your management, typically mid and/or end of month. You’ll also receive a statement showing the income and expenses relating to your property, so you can see exactly what’s happened.

Not necessarily. Many property management expenses can be deducted from rental income as they arise, while some larger or pre tenancy costs may need to be paid upfront. We’ll explain what’s required for your property so there are no surprises.

We’ll explain all costs clearly before you appoint us, including any initial expenses associated with getting your property ready for market. Depending on your property, this might include things like photography, advertising, compliance or presentation, but we’ll discuss and agree on the strategy with you first.

Your Podium Property Manager. They’re responsible for the day to day management of your property and relationship with you, so you get someone who knows your property, your tenant and your goals, not a revolving door of departments.