Between Christmas shopping, holiday plans and wrapping up the year, it's easy for lease renewals to slip down the to-do list. But if your rental agreement is coming to an end over December or January, now's the time to get organised.
With holiday closures, changing schedules and notice periods to consider, a little preparation can save you from last-minute stress.
Whether you're a landlord or tenant, here's what to sort before the festive season begins.
For Landlords: Plan Ahead for the New Year
1. Review your lease renewal options
If your tenant's fixed-term lease is approaching its end, now's a good time to speak with your property manager about what comes next.
You might choose to offer another fixed-term agreement or allow the tenancy to continue periodically.
If you're considering ending the tenancy, South Australian landlords must have a valid legal reason and follow the required notice process. For many fixed-term tenancy terminations, this means providing at least 60 days' written notice.
2. Review your rental return
Lease renewals are a good opportunity to review your property's rental performance and current market conditions.
In South Australia, rent can generally only be increased once every 12 months, with at least 60 days' written notice required.
Your property manager can help assess comparable rentals, review your options and make sure any proposed changes meet current requirements.
3. Plan around the Christmas slowdown
If your tenant is planning to move out, getting ahead of the holiday rush can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Discuss advertising, inspections and potential vacancy periods with your property manager early, particularly with businesses and tradespeople taking time off over Christmas.
It's also a good time to address any outstanding maintenance before the summer heat arrives. Not sure where to start? Read our guide, Get Your Property Summer-Ready With These 6 Simple Jobs, for practical tips on preparing your investment property for the warmer months.
For Tenants: Know Your Options Before the Holidays
1. Check your lease end date
Planning to stay or thinking about moving? Start by checking when your lease expires and what notice you may need to provide.
In South Australia, tenants generally need to give at least 28 days' written notice to leave at the end of a fixed-term lease. For periodic agreements, it's at least 21 days or one full rental period, whichever is longer.
If neither party takes action, a fixed-term lease generally continues as a periodic agreement. You can find more information in the SA Government's lease agreements guide.
2. Review any changes to your agreement
Received a lease renewal offer or rent increase notice? Take some time to review the details before signing.
Check the proposed rent, lease duration and any changes to your existing agreement. If you're unsure about something, reach out to your property manager for clarification.
3. Get organised before heading away
If you're travelling over Christmas, make sure your rent payments are scheduled and your property is secure.
It's also worth reporting any outstanding maintenance issues before leaving and keeping your property manager's emergency contact details handy.
Start the New Year on the Right Foot
A lease renewal doesn't need to become another end-of-year stress. With the right conversations and a little forward planning, landlords and tenants can enjoy the festive season knowing they've taken care of the important details.
At OC, we work closely with our landlords and tenants to make the leasing process as straightforward as possible, from managing renewals and rental reviews to keeping communication clear every step of the way. Because looking after your investment should feel simple.
Need a hand with your lease renewal or investment property? Discover how OC Property Management can help.
Disclaimer: Information in this blog is accurate at the time of publication. OC has relied upon information from external sources in compiling this publication and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness. Please verify details and consult your agent before making any decisions.
