QUESTION: I am about to lease a townhouse directly from the owner. What things should I ask for to prove proof of ownership? Will the bond form be enough proof? Has anyone had any experience renting direct through owner as opposed to a real-estate agent? – Fatboss, via Flat Chat Forum

ANSWER:  It would never occur to me to ask if a landlord owned the property but it is a valid question.

“You should be able to visit your local Council and see who owns the property by giving its address,” writes FlatChatFan. “Otherwise in NSW you can pay for the information through Land & Property Information.

“The owner needs to give you a valid Lease form to sign as well.  Lease forms (in NSW) are available at Newsagents, but if your potential landlord only wants a “handshake” deal I would be concerned. “

Yeah, me too.  Go to the tenants.org.au website which has a stack of fact sheets.

“I rented direct off an owner a few years back,” says Boronia. “I got a standard residential lease and didn’t have any problems. Rent was a bit cheaper, because there were no agent’s fees. One phone call usually sorted out any problems because he cared about his investment.”