Answers to Common Renter Questions

SPARK Fiji manages all types of residential properties. Our residential properties include single-family homes, duplexes, apartments and condominiums.

How do I arrange an inspection of a property?

Arranging an inspection is easy. We have a simple online inspection booking system that allows you to choose the time and day you would like to see the property. We have someone on the road six days a week from Monday through to Saturday, showing properties the whole day long. To book an inspection, simply click on the red button “Book Inspection” that you will see with all of our rental properties on our website. Then fill in your details, choose a day and time that suits you, and click Register Inspection Time. You will receive an immediate confirmation email/SMS. This system works 24 hours a day and is instantaneous. On the evening before the inspection, we will send out a reminder email and SMS message, and on the day of the inspection, we send out a reminder 4 hours before the inspection.

If you are unable to access the inspection booking system on our website, you can call our office on 713 9368, and one of our team will be happy to book an inspection on your behalf.

Please note, we do NOT hand out keys!

Do I have to view a property before applying?

Yes, we require that you (or a person you nominate) view the property before applying. If you are unable to view the property yourself (for example you don’t live locally) you can have a friend, colleague or family member inspect the property for you.

This is to ensure that you don’t apply for a property that you don’t like!

How do I apply for a property? What is the application process?

We recommend that you have your tenancy application documents prepared before you view a property, and bring them with you to the inspection. That way, when you find the right property, you are able to submit a completed application quickly. You can download our application form online click here. It provides details of all the documentation you will need to submit with your application but, in summary, we will require the following details and documents:

• Basic personal details
• Photo identification (Drivers Licence/Passport/Proof of Age Card)
• Medicare Card/Health Card
• Previous rental history (address, agent) and rental referees, or copy of last rates notice if you owned your previous residence
• Rental ledger or rent accommodation receipts showing payment history, or  copy of the front page of your lease, or selling agent details if you are selling your property
• Utility account for your current address (electricity, phone, rates notice)
• Recent bank statements
• Employment details or proof of income
• 3 x consecutive pay slips, confirmation letter from your employer, or a tax return if self employed
• Details of any pets
• Emergency contact details
• 2 personal referees
• Details of other people applying for the property with you

If you are a student, you will need to provide:

• A copy of the acceptance letter from where you will be studying
• A copy of original documentation if receiving Scholarship Assistance
• A letter from Parents/Guardian confirming financial assistance, amounts and frequency

We cannot process your application if it is not complete, so take the time to prepare the required documents before submitting your application! An incomplete application may mean that you miss out on the property.

We will require one completed application for each adult wanting to reside in the property.

You can submit your application to us by email ([email protected]) or in person to our office. We do not accept faxed applications.

How long will it take to find out if my application has been successful?

Your application is a high priority to us and we will usually have it processed within two working days as long as you have provided all the required documentation. However, occasionally it can take longer if we don’t manage to contact your referees straight away.

You can help by telling them to expect a phone call from us.

Can I have a pet?

The landlord chooses whether pets are allowed at the property. If you wish to submit an application that includes your pet, please provide details about your pet and pet references for them too. This will assist the landlord in deciding whether to approve your application. If your application is approved, we will issue a “pet permit” as a special condition of the lease, and each pet will be named individually on the lease. There may be some special conditions included on the lease which relate to the pet.

If you are permitted to have a pet you will be required to carry out (and provide receipts as proof) professional carpet cleaning and flea treatment

Can I smoke in the property?

Smoking is not permitted inside any rented property. There is a clause in the residential tenancy agreement: “The tenant acknowledges that smoking is not permitted inside the premises.

I have never rented before and I don’t have a rental history.What should I do?

That’s OK. You should explain where you are currently living, how long you have lived there, and obtain a letter from the people you are living with to verify this e.g. a letter from your parents

I’ve never rented before as I have owned my own home and I don’t have a rental history. What should I do?

You can provide us copies of council and water rates to show you own your home. If you are selling your home, please provide the name of the real estate agent who is selling your home.

I’m from overseas and my parents don’t speak English, how do I provide proof of parental guarantee?

We are happy to take your parents guarantee, but you will need to have it translated into English by an interpreter before emailing it to our office.

What happens once my application is approved?

We will contact you to let you know your application is successful. You will need to pay the reservation fee (also called a “holding fee”) of one week’s rent immediately. This must occur within 24 hours to secure the property otherwise we will let the property to someone else.

We will also arrange a time for you to come in to our office for your tenancy induction. During this meeting we will explain to you:

• All the details of the lease including your responsibilities
• What happens with the bond
• What to do if you need an emergency repair
• Rent payment methods
• Our zero tolerance policy regarding rent arrears
• You will then sign the lease and make the following payments:

1. A bond of 4 weeks rent, which is lodged with Office of Fair Trading
2. 2 weeks rent to get you in advance. The reservation fee is taken off this amount, so effectively it becomes 1 weeks rent

Please allow one hour for your tenancy induction meeting so we can cover everything thoroughly and answer all your questions.

What do I need to do with the condition report?

When a tenancy begins, a condition report must be filled out. It should be a true and accurate account of the condition of the property. It is important to complete the condition report accurately. It may become the most important piece of evidence if a dispute arises over the condition of the premises at the end of the tenancy, particularly about the return of the rental bond money. The steps needed to complete a condition report are:

• As agents, we will fill out and sign the condition report noting the cleanliness, general condition and working order of each applicable item on the report. We will add any comments in the space provided
• As the tenant, you will then be given a copy of the filled out condition report. You should then complete the ‘tenant agrees’ column with a Y (for yes) or an N (for no). It is important to complete this with a yes or no and not ticks. If you do not agree with anything in the report, you should write a reason in the comments area of the report. If you agree you only need to put a “Y” in the tenant agrees column; no comments are necessary.
• You should then sign and return the copy to our office within 7 days.

At the end of the tenancy, the premises will be inspected and the condition of the premises at the time will be compared to that stated in the original condition report.