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Agency feesIn some cases, landlords want their property manager to arrange repairs, newspaper advertising or other work on their behalf.
Property managers cannot pay expenses on your behalf unless you have given them permission to do so in the Written Authority.
It is recommended that before you sign the Written Authority you think carefully about whether you want the property manager to arrange these matters for
you. If you do, it is wise to confirm the details in writing in the Written Authority then sign and date these with your agent. For example, you could require
that all payments above a certain amount are discussed with you before
these are made. This type of condition can prevent misunderstandings and
unexpected bills later on.
If a property manager incurs a cost on your behalf, he/she is required to include with a claim for expenses some documentation or other evidence
in support of the expense.
In addition, you are entitled under the Code of Conduct to ask for further information that you may “reasonably require” in order to be satisfied about
the amount of the expense and that the expense was paid appropriately.
In relation to advertising, some additional requirements are also in place. A property manager may not seek payment of an expense
for advertising, signboards, printed material and promotions from you
unless:
-
you have agreed in writing to pay the expense;
-
the Written Authority specifies a maximum amount for advertising;
and
-
the maximum amount stated on the Written Authority has been initialled
by you.
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