2013 Updates to the Western Australia Residential Tenancy Laws

The Western Australian Residential Tenancies Act 1987 has recently been reviewed and amended.

Here is a summary of the main changes starting 31 July, 2013.

1. A new prescribed form must be used for all residential tenancy agreements.
2. Requirement to lodge security bond with Government Agency.
3. Requirement to complete Condition Reports at start and end of tenancy.
4. Limits to option fees.
5. Pet bonds can be requested for all pets capable of carrying parasites that can affect humans.
6. The tenant cannot be made to pay more than 2 weeks rent in advance at any time throughout the tenancy.
7. The lessor must ensure the residential premises are reasonably secure.

To Download an up to date WA Tenancy Agreement Kit please visit http://www.rpemery.com.au/online/residential_tenancy_agreement_wa.html

5 key issues that will affect your bottom line when entering a Commercial Property Lease

5 Tips of things to look for in a Commercial Property Lease

Are you signing up or thinking of signing a commercial lease?  Here are a few key provisions to look out for.

Rent

The biggest outlay when renting a property is rent so it’s vital to understand the potential monetary obligations. You need to know how much, how it is calculated and whether it will automatically increase (often referred to as rent reviews or rent adjustments). 

Ratchet clauses

A ratchet clause is a clause which attempts to prevent any decreases in the rent.

Ensure that your lease review provisions are clear and that there is no attempt to prevent a legitimate decrease in the rent.

Outgoings (operating expenses)

Sometimes a tenant is required to contribute towards the outgoings (or operating expenses) of the leased premises.  These operating expenses can include things like rates, taxes, cleaning costs for the building, insurances and the like.

Other Expenses

The Lease may place other financial or related obligations on the tenant eg fixtures, fittings, equipment or services, etc

Lease term and options

The term of the lease is the amount of time you can rent the shop for under the Lease, eg 5 years.  At the end of the initial term of the Lease, there may be an option for the tenant to continue on under the Lease for a further term or terms.  Make sure you check the way rent is calculated for the option period as sometimes it can vary.

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How To Use An Employment Contract Template To Streamline Recruitment

How an Employment Contract template can streamline your recruitment process

Recruiting and employing staff is fundamental to any business, large or small. If you’re not used to the process of putting on new staff it can be easy to overlook important legal requirements which can cause hassles down the track.

That’s where Employment Contract Templates come in – they can be used as a handy guide or checklist to ensure that all the essential legal stuff is taken care of.

When you sit down with your new employee – go through the contract together. It will cover important issues like payment and the award (if applicable), hours, the role of the employee, tasks, confidentiality and so forth. The contract ensures that both parties understand their obligations in the relationship and reduces the likelihood of conflict down the track.

A written Employment Agreement provides a solid record of your arrangements and starts your professional relationship in the right way. 

To see full article go to
http://www.rpemery.com.au/articles/employment-contract-templates.html