Life without barriers

Discussion in 'Property Management' started by Shaneo78, 15th Jan, 2020.

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  1. Shaneo78

    Shaneo78 Well-Known Member

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    I have a property advertised for the moment and have had an enquiry from Life Without Barriers - Which is a government agency to house migrants.

    Has anyone had any experience with them?

    Property manager has mentioned they have 5 properties through the agency, all with no issues at all. Government pays rent so shouldn't have any issues there, and potentially a long term relationship.

    Mostly share house applications otherwise.

    Interested to hear any experiences.

    Thanks
     
  2. The Y-man

    The Y-man Moderator Staff Member

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    I think one of the units next to one of our IP is owned by a gov agency and housing refugees. Never had issues (well none escalated to us).

    A far cry from the "local" mob that were occupying an apartment (rented by the housing department) in a different place, who would swear and shout abuse at passersby, throw rubbish (including it was alleged faeces) out their window at people etc...!

    The Y-man
     
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  3. Shaneo78

    Shaneo78 Well-Known Member

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    Property manager said she wouldn't hesitate to rent it out to them if it was her property. Sounds promising to me, so I've decided to accept their application.
     
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  4. The Y-man

    The Y-man Moderator Staff Member

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    The good thing with gov agencies or legit NGOs is that they always pay rent on time!

    The Y-man
     
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  5. Ryan23

    Ryan23 Well-Known Member

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    Life without Barriers also operate juvenile care houses where unfortunately I have heard of damage and bad reports from neighbors, just in case they havnt specifically said what the house will be used for.
     
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  6. Angel

    Angel Well-Known Member

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    That would still be the responsibility of the organisation leasing the property.
     
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  7. Ryan23

    Ryan23 Well-Known Member

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    Yes definitely, just something I would like to know and personally avoid.
     
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  8. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    Positives:
    • Head lease is with the agency so there's never arrears to worry about
    • Will enter into a multi-year lease with agreed adjustments eg: CPI
    • Generally will advise promptly of maintenance issues
    • Dealing PM to PM not with the tenant
    • Maintenance arrangements with the PM
    • A bit of giving back to the community (and being paid market rent at the same time)
    • Not subject to the usual employment checks etc
    • Usually a better tenant but without a local rental history
    Negatives
    • You/PM don't select the tenant
    • May be language barriers with tenant
    • Might be out of your comfort level
     
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  9. Hwa Rang

    Hwa Rang Member

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    I rented my apartment to them for a few years.
    As previously mentioned the rent was like clockwork on the 1st of the month.
    The tenant had kids and there was a few things that they had to fix when they left, which they had no hesitation in doing.
    I dont think its that great of a risk, if they cause any problems the case manager will be all over them, I would do it again.
     
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  10. Shaneo78

    Shaneo78 Well-Known Member

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    My last tenants were very bad at communicating. Quite often trades people would turn up at the agreed time and they wouldn't be home. Communicating with the case manager will be a big plus.

    Good to hear positive feedback.