Another Day, Another Ozb Rent Increase Topic

Current place is rented at $760 per week (4 bed, 2 bath + powder, double garage) and has been on an 18 month lease expiring in January 2024.

REA called and said that $780 is probably pretty much what we can expect. That works out to be a 2.5% increase over 18 months. Which seems quite small. FWIW the property insights on domain/realestate say around 7.5% growth for units and 20% growth for houses 12 months to date. This is a townhouse built in 2021 so very modern inside. So I’d say let’s just go with an average 7.5% although it’s probably somewhere in between the two figures.

Now, the tenant is solid. Always pays on time no issues this far, so I’d also like to keep them on, but I’d kind of expected the REA to say somewhere IVO $800-820 was fair in this market. Being a 5-7.5% increase over 18 months.

His argument was there are cheaper houses listed (true but they’re old and rundown, high maintenance for tenants with gardens, lawns, big trees, certainly lacking things like zoned ducted cooling and heating, ceiling fans, etc [property is in Brisbane]). At first I was like ok… this does make sense, and I understand that if I lost a single week of income waiting for someone to pay $800, it would be 40 weeks before I made that income back if they just paid $780. So we aren’t talking massive dollars here if I went with REA suggestion.

The question i have for the OzB lords and lady’s of the IP owner types - do you think my REA is being lazy because they just want to copy + paste the previous RTA with $20 extra rather than go through the hassle of potentially risking advertisement, viewings etc?

This is my first IP and whilst it’s been relatively stress free with an excellent tenant and the REA seems solid so I’m not sure if I’m being taken for a ride in some respect.

Comments

        • The data is interesting, but as it is only median, judging from the prices, they are much lower then new rentals.

          Im guessing alot more established homes are renting out at cheaper long term prices.

  • +19

    Just take it, having a 100% consistent renter who pays on time and you have no issues with is a unicorn, give em a $20 break for predictability.

    • +4

      I agree, a good decent tenant is worth more then $1000 a year extra

      • Spoken like a landlord that learnt from experience.
        I know someone that couldn't get rid of a non paying tenant for almost a full year! Easy lost $20k

    • -1

      Op do you know how much they make.

      As long as it's under 30 percent your fine.

    • Yea 100%

  • +4

    Increase it by $20 should be fine as you have good tenants.

    Would you rather risk a grand and a few more just because it's market value, if you pitch that to your tenants, you run the risk of them moving out, finding new tenants, gambling if new tenants are good etc…….

  • There’s going to be headaches and tears when you want to sell the house with “another person”.

  • +1

    I'd just ask the tenants what they think is a fair increase.

    • If they are an ozbargainer they'll ask for a rental decrease

      • -1

        Actually they’d just ask to live free then claim squatter’s rights.

        If they were a true OzB person they’d post as a bargain.

  • +7

    A long post to ask if REA is lazy because you expect them to raise rent to $800-$820 instead of $780 which you are happy because tenants have good record and then have a go at commenters to read the first post because they think you are a bad landlord raising rent to >$800 but thats not what you are asking.

    The fact is no one can clearly read your mind.

  • +3

    Maybe the REA doesn't want to charge extra rent because the tennants are good, which in turn makes their job easier? Idk, just floating the idea.

  • +1

    My REA wanted to increase my IP rent more than what I was expecting and a simple call and discussion with them clarified a lot of things - particularly their justification for the rise. They were good tenants for a long time so I valued that.

    On the other hand, the REA for my in-laws IP sounds like OPs and the suggested increase was minimal - like from $600 to $620 where other similar and less-valuable houses on the same street (a few houses down from IP) were $900 a week and leased.

    Perhaps speak to your REA again to understand their reasoning. There's so much missing info from the post and replies, really, to understand the situation fully.

    • What did your in laws increase it to?

      Damn, those are some high ass rentals.

      • In-laws were basically having to threaten to leave the agent to increase the rent.

        Went to $650 when house two houses down, and slightly smaller, rented at $900. The area is at least $750 a week.

        However, the in-laws' agent is genuinely lazy. I've read their emails and the state incorrect facts in order to not do work. The in-laws have been with the firm for over 20 years so I suspect they get passed off as easy clients.

        • +1

          Looks like time to change agents.

          Then again, if they have owned the property for 20 years, the in-laws may not be sensitive to interest rates rises and see $650 a reasonable return.

          It's crazy to me to pay $900 a week rent.

  • +1

    If you understand below, don’t you think the REA understands it too?

    I understand that if I lost a single week of income waiting for someone to pay $800, it would be 40 weeks before I made that income back if they just paid $780. So we aren’t talking massive dollars here if I went with REA suggestion.

    It is in REAs immediate interest to churn through tenants than simply extend existing leases. Sounds like you’ve got an REA who actually thinks past the immediate.

  • +4

    $780, damn, who can afford that? So glad I don't rent anymore. That's over $40,00/year.

    • who can afford that?

      If you stopped snorting… oh wait.. it's just forks! never mind me!

    • +1

      4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, double garage. It's a decently sized place, presumably in a nice location.

    • No it's the kids smashed avo that's the problem! /S

  • +2

    The REA works for you OP, not the other way around. Set the rental price you expect to be the reasonable market rate, have them do their job and move on.

    Otherwise get a new REA who can take instructions.

  • If you can, wait and see what the RBA does on Tuesday with interest rates (assuming you have a loan out on the joint). It'll probably answer the question for you.

  • +1

    Seems like you're unhappy with $780.

    Ask for $800.

    If the tenants are unhappy they will ask to reduce it to $780, or if the current market rent for your property is $800+, then they will happily pay $800.

    But yeah, I've got a few long term tenants who are paying 10-15% below market rent. I know this but I'd rather keep good long term tenants over some unknown tenants who can trash your place and make your life difficult (I do still have LL insurance).

    I wish I didn't have to but unfortunately I'll have to increase the rent next year due to additional costs- Land tax, council rates, insurance, interest, all going up.

  • You are very new at operating an IP. Take some advice off the professional that you are paying. While they’re not right all the time at all, they have more knowledge about managing tenants than you do.
    And learn.
    You will have this place for many years and there is time for you to build your own experience. Also time to do your own research and have a considered view next time around.

  • I’d go middle ground and aim for $800.00. Aren’t they changing the laws soon that you can only increase rent once a year? Don’t short change yourself and have regrets later.

    If you feel guilty, check our what vehicle the tenant drives if it’s a euro hit them up hard.

    BtW. Rea can be lazy. Our current one is useless, but she’s the only agent in town, otherwise I’d be going elsewhere.

    • Car shaming now? haha

      If they drive an old Euro, they're probably doing it tough. Either can't afford to upgrade to a newer Euro or are paying to repair the old Euro.

    • What car a person drives isn’t always an accurate indicator of their wealth.

  • OP, just remember that the reported news of rental increase is averaged. As your property price increases, you can't expect the % rental increase to follow suit.

  • +1

    Let the agent do the job you are paying them for. If you are not happy with their performance then just change agents - simples.

  • +6

    I never increased my rent for my property in the 4 years it was rented out. I was about $80 cheaper than everyone in the area - I never had complaints, they didn't do my head in and I didn't increase even when the agent said so and I will continue not to increase it.

  • +2

    If you locked in the tenant 18 months ago at a higher than average market rate then a smaller than expected increase now seems reasonable.

    A good tenant is worth a lot.

    Just do some reading about people who have tenants that just won't leave and stop paying rent as they have no where what to go and can live Rent free for 6 months.

  • -2

    I am in a similar situation as you. Tenants renewal is up in February, and agents have already presented with a rental increase amount based on local comparable properties. My tenants and agent have been good, set and forget. Never been late on rent, and I've always approved maintenance or repairs within 3hrs of seeing them on email.

    I have unfortunately gone with a 17% increase this time, as they've been on quite a low rate for the last 12 months. This new rate will be set for the next 12 months. I could have pushed for another $20/week more, but I would like to keep the tenants. My costs keep going up too - interest rates, council rates, land tax, insurance, cost of maintenance etc etc.

    • +2

      Not sure why you’re being downvoted for sharing reality.

      Double the rent and then give them 50% discount on the increase. They will be thankful with the newfound perspective and cheaper deal - learnt it from ColesWorth.

  • Decisions about upping rent are never based on one factor.

    Affordability is one but above all, is the propensity of the tenant to leave if you push too far which is then coupled with whether or not you can afford not having income while looking for alternative tenant.

    Cost are going up so I think you should try to find the middle ground between what REA suggested and what you feel is comfortable enough for you to at ease.

    I did this last time.

  • +2

    Is the REA lazy or just switched on enough to realise it's in your best interest to up the rent a modest amount and keep the tenant? I would prefer the latter over someone who is just going to blindly push an increase without any consideration. My experience working in REA is that most PMs are too smart to be receptionists and too dumb to be sales agents, if you've got a smart one keep 'em.

  • +3

    Depends on whether you want to pay them $400 for advertising, 1 week of rent as leasing fee, then 2 week of vacancy. I suspect it will end up costing you close to $3k if the tenant leaves.

    My REA did the same thing to me. Tenant ended up leaving. Cost me 3 week of vacancy plus adverting plus leasing fee.

  • +2

    Good tenants are worth their weight in gold.

    If your happy with the increase recommended by the REA and the current tenant(and it sounds like you are) then keep the tenant on side keep the rent low and be happy.

    Just losing one weeks rent from shit tenant the stress and aggravation that shit tenant can cost in lack sleep damage unjustified expense claims is not worth it.

    Don’t worry. Be happy.

  • +2

    Rental/housing crisis is out of hand. Between this and COVID people have lost so many years of enjoying their lives because of this trash

  • +1

    Unless you must have the money the $20 - $40 difference is not really material.

    I would be happier to ensure I keep the tenant.

    I have good tenants like you and I increased the rent by $25 when I could get $75 more if we went to market.

  • IMO if you think the rent is priced too low according to the market (should be pretty easy to research in your area) then you should tell them to bump it up.

    When we wanted to rent our property out the REA told us that what we had in mind might be "too high" (~$50 p/w higher than what they suggested) - lo and behold we got a tenant contract signed in just over a week after putting it up for rent.

  • (true but they’re old and rundown, high maintenance for tenants with gardens, lawns, big trees, certainly lacking things like zoned ducted cooling and heating, ceiling fans, etc [property is in Brisbane])

    Did the RA show the properties or you went on domain and did your own research and assumed this are the properties he is comparing yours against. I also assume that you need to compare rental prices against other town houses rather then standalone houses. Maybe just have a chat with the RE as his opinion probably does not have as much of a personal investment as yours.

    • Funnily my REA does the opposite ( we're the renters in this case) and although we live in a Villa (complex of 12 units, shared wall each side) every time they price increase they refer to flat out houses.. Which clearly go for much more than villas/townhouses, which I find disingenuous (and correct every time).

      I expect another 10-15% rise come Jan/Feb which is when ours is due for renewal (was 530-590, I expect 650~ next, though would say this is over inflated for the area, villa in same complex tried 650, same 2 bed size, within 2 days was down to 620)

      • Thats krap. Makes it hard to get ahead.

  • +2

    God bless capitalism.

  • +1

    What maintenance have you done in the previous 18 months and what is the depreciation on the property value as a result?
    Are you increasing because of inflation to earn a greater profit and wanting your rea to assist you in this?
    Or are you increasing because the property has had an input of value and you are wanting compensation/to earn a fair return?
    There are many variables here…your rea might have made their comment as part of business as usual and didn't know you were expecting higher or more information regarding your query.

  • +1

    property insights on domain/realestate say around 7.5% growth for units and 20% growth for houses 12 months to date

    Just because it says there has been a 7.5% growth doesn't mean your $760pw should increase by 7.5%. There'd be some outliers in the dataset that drag that average up. Like if your $760 was already at the high end 12 months ago, there'd be others that increased by 10-15% that were lower and just catching up to market.

    As someone with an IP, if the tenant is good (doesn't complain about every small thing / treats the house well), I wouldn't be jacking up the price on the off chance of losing them. My IP is well under market value but the only issues I've had to repair are leaking roof, two underground water leaks and replace a rusted hot water system. They don't bother me about any of the small stuff only the big stuff that would cost me money if they didn't raise it. I've driven past it a few times on the way to see my parents and the property is generally well kept. They've been there for 4 years now.

  • +4

    Agencies actually want you to go through more tenants, they make money off landlords that way. Through "re-leasing" fee, advertising fees, admin fees, etc. So if they are telling you its too high, its really too high for that area. Source: I own multiple IPs.

  • +1

    Your agent is hopeless. Get rid of them and get market rent at least.

    It's an investment, not a charity. The tenant can move out of they don't like it.

    The rental market is white hot and you'll have a new tenant in days.

    • +1

      Watch out. You’ll get flamed for even suggesting 5% over 18 months was reasonable to some here…

      • -2

        I know. Australians abhor success. Full of tall poppy syndrome.

        Makes no difference, it's just business.

  • -2

    They are being lazy. Have a house rented for $950 and the REA came to me saying the renewal is up and suggested the same amount. I said based on similar properties i could get $1150-$1200. I went with $1050 because the tenants have always paid on time and they agreed immediately.

  • Your agent is lazy. It's better to cruise along to get some passive income rather than working for your best interest. The small increase in rate gives very little to them, hence they don't want to push.

    Rental market is very competitive. I offered $70 over the advertised rate and still didn't get.
    You should just raise to what you think it's fair and let the market work it out. IF your place is really good. You can expect up to 900

  • You need to do your own research and get them to do their job.

    I have an investment property and it was rented for $535 initially. Put it up to $555 a year later, which was below market and then tenant didn't want to resign and moved out as they bought a house.

    When relisting, agent suggested $575, i said let's go $595 because i think that's where the market is. Ended up being offered $600 for it, which of course i accepted.

  • Would you not have to pay the agent to relist/readvertise/market the property again if your current tenant decides not to renew the lease at the increased rate? Can't say i've dealt with any agents that have failed to charge for those "services".

  • Are you comparing market rents or property value? It sounds to me like you are talking about the market value of the property going up by 20%, that is NOT how rents are calculated, whether the value of the property goes up or down is irrelevant, it is what the current rental market is doing. Property values can go down while rents go up and vice versa. If you were actually talking about 7.5% and 20% rental increases then apologies and your REA is not doing there job if they are advising rents below market rates.

    • Rents.

      In Kenmore over the last 12 months rent has increased 7.5% for units and 20% for houses.

      Hence why I thought 2.5% was low. They’ve been on an 18 month lease as well.

      I called my agent. He didn’t answer landline or mobile yesterday.

      • Then yeah, he isn't doing his job. Keeping a good tenant is important, but so is keeping up with Market rates, especially with so many anti landlord policies constantly being introduced as once you fall to far behind market rent it can be difficult to increase without getting a new tenant.

  • +1

    OP in penalty box prob had enough

    • OP back baby.

  • We've had a similar experience with rental increases.

    Good tenants are hard to find, so there is value in keeping them happy. But at the same time, you don't want your rental amount to fall too far below market value, because then you'll be in an awkward position where you may feel the need to increase it even more at one time.

    $800 doesn't sound unreasonable as an increase though.

    • I was thinking just make it $800 too. They will most likely accept it.

  • I doubt the agent minds of you have a vacancy. They don't miss out on much income, and they would get 1-2 weeks of rent as their fee for a new lease. So I suspect they are being kosher about the rent increase.

  • Just ask for $1000

    • Screw it…. Ask for $1200. OPs costs keep going up.

  • Others have already stated it, but the REA works for you at end of day. So just do whatever you feel is right.

    That being said, as a landlord myself if you are honestly stressing about a $20-$40 difference per week you are in the wrong game. That's $1000-$2000 a year, and that's before taxes. That is nothing in the scheme of things, you could easily save that elsewhere in your life if you cared.

    So:

    • If you are happy with $780 and don't want to stress then go ahead with that.

    • If you want to get paid more suggest $800-$820 - you can always negotiate back down to $780.

    • Yeah ok. I’ll try call him again today to discuss. He didn’t pick up yesterday at all.

      S’pose that’s what a low 7.5% management fee gets you hahah.

  • Better than mine, I think they re-signed my tenant on a new contract before the old one was even over, with a mild increase well below market average - without telling me

    • Yikes ok!

    • That doesn't sound normal.

      Which state is that in?

      • NSW

        • Does the agent have authority to do that?

          In Vic I think I have to (electronically) sign the new lease and also make a few declaration that the house is safe, I'm not planning on selling it etc.

  • How attentive is your REA? How long does it normally take to rent out your property once vacant? It's important to find out whether the REA is lazy or not. Check listings the REA put on the Web sites. Plenty of photos and good descriptions? You generally can tell whether the REA is lazy or not (responding to your calls, emails, arranging repairs).

    If you found the agent lazy, switch to a different one. Also, check the current market in that area to work out the market rate.

    Most REAs are lazy. However, most of them do try to get you to raise the rent whenever possible (commission is based on the rent amount). Also, you need to think of it from the tenant's point of view. Tenant won't calculate it based on %. Tenant will look at the new amount and decide. One of my ex-tenants came up with an excuse to have me delay the rental increase, and ended up using that extra time to find another rental property. The rent increase was less than 5% and below the market rate.

  • Perhaps they suggested $780 instead of $800 because $800 is a psychological barrier. You are getting into the 800s which might scare the tenant of, whereas $780 does not sound as bad.

    Why do shops do things like $9.95 instead of $10.00…

    I would trust your REA on this for sure.

    • +1

      Fair point. Will ask for $799.95.

      Kidding but yeah you are right it’s a barrier in that respect.

  • +1

    I have had a tenant for 8 years now i think, oldish couple in a well placed low rise apartment block, i always have to knock their suggested increment back down.they take good care of the place, i do my part and get tell REA to fix whenever anything comes through. As a landlord having tenant who pays on time, lives there for a long time, and treats it like a home, no extra advertising/leasing fees/gaps… its a dream…

    even in a good market there will be a week or two where there is no rent due to transtion, then add on top advertising and the lease fee (higher than a renewal of leaseing fee).

    If you want to ask for 800 you can, but if the REA can defend it. For all you know they have another one nearby for less than 760 with similar number of bedrooms to offer the tenant that pays on time, and then you can roll the dice on a new tenant.

  • +3

    Solid tenants that pay, and look after your property are worth $20 less (even at a much lower price point), trust.To you, to your sanity, to your bank account long term, to the REA, to the neighbours, everyone wins.

  • +1

    Another rate hike is due. Why don't you wait for it. Until then go with month to month and increase it after. Because after next rate hike, the average rental prices will likely go up again so you have more justification.

  • Your agent could be lazy, but it's hard to say. If you can find several examples of similar "new" properties being listed over $800, then that is the market rate and I'd be asking for a tad under if you're happy with your tenants. Additionally, stick to a 12-month renewal so you can revise things in a year if needed. It's not worth risking losing a good tenant and having to pay re-letting fees etc.

  • Let’s split it even further and go for $795.

  • -1

    Greedy landlords and greedy REA agents ftw

    • +4

      and tenants that think landlords run a charity business 🫡

  • Any chance you can just manage it yourself now that you've got a good tenant? That way you can bank the ~8% in management fees?

    • Do the bare minimum work for their IP? Are you crazy?

  • Tough one.. for both you and the tenant. Personally, would split the difference to keep up with market but also try to keep tenant.

    Let us know what you decide to do anyway

  • Why are you asking people on the Internet who have no vested interest in your situation about what they think?
    Would you ask them if APPL or AMZN is a good stock to buy? Would their answer influence you one way, or another?
    If the answer is "yes", you should not be in this game.

    You know what they say, opinions are like ***holes. Everyone has got one, and they all stink.

  • Don't be greedy. As you said is a few bucks worth losing a good tenant, which could take min 40 weeks to make up for, and you might get a bad tenant.

    So greedy lmao.

  • Your agent is providing good advice, against their own interest. You have a good agent.

    Agents don't make any money on the rental books, usually rent rolls just break even for them, they make money on tenant churn (listing and showings) and property sales.

  • -1

    OP is clearly not happy with $780, hence the post. If he were, why post at all? Stop making up excuses and just call your REA to raise it to $900 or something.

  • +1

    Do $790.

  • if its a single mum then you should definitely increase rent

  • +1

    Some thoughts:

    REA called and said that $780 is probably pretty much what we can expect. That works out to be a 2.5% increase over 18 months. Which seems quite small. FWIW the property insights on domain/realestate say around 7.5% growth for units and 20% growth for houses 12 months to date. This is a townhouse built in 2021 so very modern inside. So I’d say let’s just go with an average 7.5% although it’s probably somewhere in between the two figures.

    Do not increase the rent based on the % growth posted by website as it might not be applicable/relevant for your situation. For example, If your previous rental price is already jacked up 4% over the market price, then you cant expect the next rental price increase to be following 7.5% growth. The property statistic can only be taken with a grain of salt as they often combine property with different context. For example you cannot just look at median price of 4 bedroom property in the area. Like you said, there are other factors such as the size of the land, maintenance, age of property etc. The cheapest does not always attract people as well as the most expensive does not always have the offer unless if the supply is dry. It is more important to look into the rent price of comparable units within the area (domain sometimes have this data as well when you are looking at suburbs/street profile). Just because someone currently offering price below the market, it doesnt mean that people will choose to rent there as the quality might be so bad. Just because one property put their offered rental price way over the market, it doesnt means you should do that as well if the demand is low. If you believe your place can be rented at certain price then go for it, the agent would follow what you want. After all, they have incentive of getting new tenant and earn reletting fee, which is probably more than the management fee that they get in a year from your property. The more your property churned in the market, it is benefiting them. Or the might just be purely lazy like you said, then after your research tell them what to do, after all it is your property or maybe consider changing agents.

    Now, the tenant is solid. Always pays on time no issues this far, so I’d also like to keep them on,

    Paying on time does not seems to be an issue in this country, most people with vouched income during tenant selection would be able to meet this. However, not all tenants are created equal. There are tenants who wants you to fix every little thing that break down. If they put two different request in just one year just for tighten loose door knobs or replacing build-in led light or fixing plumbing leak or replacing the NBN battery (just because they cant/dont want to do it themselves), you are already $600+ out of pocket. The material itself probably cost less than $50 for each visit, the call out fees and labour for 30 minutes work is what will drain your pocket. There are some tenants who would do it themselves as sometimes it is just a matter of screwing/unscrewing things.
    There are also tenants who like to keep things in the house tidy and neat just like their own home. There are some who … you know … just feel the blank. We know how ignorant people can be when no one is looking.

    and I understand that if I lost a single week of income waiting for someone to pay $800, it would be 40 weeks before I made that income back if they just paid $780.

    In practical world, i would say you are considered lucky if your unit is vacant only for 1 week. Usually it takes another week to organise the updated photo/inspection etc. Unless if you want to start inspection before the tenant finished their contract terms. Buf if you want to get top $, it might be best to arrange inspection after the tenant moved out and the property is cleaned/patched for any wear and tear. If you are not the cheapest on the market maybe those who wants to move in is not that desperate. Which could mean they need to give few weeks notice to their current rental property before moving to yours. All of the above is assuming your property is wanted by everyone at the first week of inspection, despite of higher than market price rental, compared to the current property supply in market.

    Lastly depending who is currently renting them. For family with stable income, for $40 increase they would most likely stay, especially if they have kids. For students/singles/sharing accomodations there will be less chance to stay, especially if there are other cheaper similar option nearby. They are easier to move and sometimes could be a perfect opportunity to choose sharing with different "less annoying" friends.

    Good luck!

  • +1

    Never trust real estate agent, the market are so hot at the moment.

    My IP was valued by RA as $380 a week, got $450

    My aunt: $730 a week was recommended by them, got $830 in the end

  • I'm a tenant, was paying $470/week. Received a notice that the rent is increasing by $40/week. Tried negotiating but the owners won't budge.

    Always paid rent on time, and was told by the REA that I've kept the house in immaculate condition.

    LLs need to be a bit more understanding.

    • +2

      Don't forget the repayment went up 13 times also for the landlord.

    • I followed my REA's recommendation on raising the rent by $20/week earlier this year. The tenants then asked me to delay the rent increase by another 6 weeks (because they lost their jobs for a month and only just started on the new jobs), so 12 weeks before the rent increase. On the 8th week, they notified the REA that they will be moving out.

      They always paid on time. Most tenants know their rights and no tenant is happy about the rent increase. With multiple increases on home loan interest rates, much higher insurance premium this year, previous tenant moved out resulted in a small gap without any rental income + repairs needed, 2023 hasn't been great for me so far.

  • Are you new to this investment property? I've had mine rented out shy of 15 years. I've had my current tenant for 6 years now. I have increased it $20 in this time. Yes I could get more, but If i increase I risk my tenant leaving and creating a potential headache. I am headache free now. Clean tenant and paying on time and I assume a good person. If you want to increase it and the tenant leaves, are you really up for say an extra $50 PW?

    Let's say $50 a week is $2,600PA less real estate fees. Take away the Leasing fee + advertising + advertising costs ( for a new tenant) on your increase and potential rent lost due to be vacant. let's say 4 weeks down time. I don't see much cost benefit and the potential your new tenant is late on rent and destroys the place. Just keep your existing tenant happy, money is tight at the moment - not your tenants fault you've got an investment property. Even if you are whining for $50 PW it is only $2600PA. Go hammer the realestate agent and get your management fee reduced. I went from 7.7% to 5% inclusive.

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