TENANT INFORMATION

TICA is a National central register of tenant’s history. TICA Default Tenancy Control System allows over 18,000 asset managers throughout Australia and New Zealand to access it's database and enquire if a tenant applicant has any listing recorded against them on the Tenancy History Database. TICA also records all tenancy applications made by prospective tenants and approved occupants and makes this information available to it's members on the Enquiries Database. TICA also allows access to Debt Collection Agencies and related persons for the purpose of locating individuals.

Subject to State Legislation in relation to Tenancy Databases, members of TICA may register any tenants who were named on a tenancy agreement on the database from the time the tenancy commences. TICA complies completely with the Australian National Privacy Principles. TICA also complies with the guidelines set down by the offices of the Privacy Commissioner of New Zealand. The Australian National Principles can be obtained directly from the Australian Privacy Commissioner's web-site at www.privacy.gov.au

One of the greatest assets any individual can have in the renting sector is to have a favourable tenancy history and good track record. It stands to reason that each individual is responsible for their own actions. Individuals can dictate their own future by their past actions.

When applying for a rental, asset managers are mainly interested that you have the ability to pay the rent and the ability to maintain the property. In addition they are interested in the past track record of a tenancy applicant and that, the rent was paid on or before the due date and how you maintained past properties.

You can help yourself when requiring a future reference by co-operating with your asset manager during your tenancy.

How to Access Information That TICA Holds
In Australia National Privacy Principle 6 in the Privacy Act 1988 provides that if an organisation holds personal information about an individual it must provide the individual with access subject to certain conditions. Australian tenants can enquire if they are listed on any of the TICA databases and can request this information from TICA.

The Privacy Act in New Zealand makes it possible for a person to enquire if they are listed. New Zealand tenants need to contact TICA Australia by mail, contact details can be found on our web site.

Tenants can access their information by either Fax, Phone or Mail.

Information you receive from Accessing TICA
	An individual will be advised what information may be recorded on the database about them including personal information being your full name, date of birth, drivers license number, passport number (except Australian Passport).
	The member who recorded the information.
	Contact details for the listing member.
	The date the information was lodged on the database.

Who has access to my personal history?
Any information held by TICA Default Tenancy Control System is available exclusively for TICA members.

Who are TICA members?
A door sticker advising they are members of TICA easily identifies members. The sticker includes a map of Australia and New Zealand. In addition TICA members must advise a tenant that they are verifying the application with TICA.

With the introduction of the National Privacy Principles effective in December 2002 you have certain rights regarding your personal information. TICA members are obliged at law to comply with the National Privacy Principles. Since the National Privacy Principles became effective members must advise you that a tenancy application will be verified through TICA and that your information may be recorded on the TICA databases.

In what circumstances will TICA alter or remove a tenant’s name?
	If proof is offered of wrongful use of identity.
	If proof is offered that false information has been supplied.
	If a member can not verify a listing.
	Where a listing has been registered against an approved occupant.
	When a member fails to submit evidence as a result of an investigation by TICA. The member is allowed 7 days to obtain the file and provide the evidence to TICA.
	If a listing is not allowed under state legislation.

Paying your rent on or before the due date.
In the event that you know that you can not meet the rental payment in a particular period contact your agent and advise them of your situation before your name appears on the arrears list. It is likely that an agent will assist you if your problem is a one off situation.

Co-operate with your asset manager on periodic inspections, listen to any advice they may offer as it may assist you in the future.

Report faults with the property promptly and in the manner which, the asset manager has advised.

Avoid being abusive even if an asset manager can't see your point of view walk away and approach the situation again on another day when everyone is thinking rationally. It is easy to get into an argument but often very hard to repair the damage caused from the argument.

Do not sub-let without your asset manager knowing about it and providing you with the appropriate written approval.

Provide the adequate and proper notice when vacating the property in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act of your state.

Place yourself in an asset manager’s position and remember they act in the best interest of their client.

Avoid confrontations with neighbours. Avoid being abusive to your neighbours as they may have a relationship with the asset manager or the owner.

Avoid loud and disruptive parties and consider your neighbours. By doing so you avoid complaints against you to your asset manager or the owner.

Abide by the terms and conditions of your tenancy agreement. If you are ever unsure of a situation you can contact our Help line number on 190 222 0346 calls are charged at $5.45 per minute a small price to pay for the right advice.

If you are unsure about anything ask someone with knowledge.

Keep all your previous rental receipts, tenancy agreements, rental bond claims, condition reports and any other information that may be required in the future. At the conclusion of your tenancy request a copy of your tenancy history ledger showing details of your payment history.

Never act on advice from people unless they are in the know. Friends can often offer an opinion that can be costly in money and reputation.

We trust these hints have been of assistance and wish you all the very best. Remember your actions today dictate results of tomorrow.

Hints on Vacating a Property
Prior to vacating a property peruse the condition report that you signed when you first took possession of the property.

Leave the property in as good condition or better than what it was when you first took possession of it.

Pay particular attention to carpets, stove, oven, window coverings and gardens.