Question 1

What is a fixed term tenancy verses a periodic tenancy?

Accepted Answer

Fixed term - is when an agreement is for a specific time decided upon at the beginning of the tenancy (i.e. six or twelve months) and has a start date and an end date. 
Periodic - is an agreement for an indefinite period until it is terminated by either party in writing. Under a periodic tenancy:

A tenant must give at least 28 days’ written notice to end the tenancy, unless the landlord agrees to a shorter time.

A landlord must give at least 90 days' written notice to end the tenancy. Landlords can give less time at least 63 days’ notice) in some cases.

If a landlord gives the tenant notice to end the tenancy and the tenant wants to move out sooner, the tenant must still give the landlord 28 days’ written notice.

A Residential Tenancy Agreement is a legally binding contract whereby both parties agree to abide by the conditions of the agreement. Tenants  will receive a copy of this agreement as a record of each party’s rights and responsibilities. For any other RTA details please see www.tenancy.govt.nz.

Question 2

How do I arrange to view a property to rent?

Accepted Answer

When you have found a property you like, please call, text or email us, or alternatively, book a time to view. We’ll make arrangements for you to view the property when it’s most convenient for all parties involved.

Question 3

What are the costs for moving into a property?

Accepted Answer

A bond equivalent to four weeks rent is collected at the start of the tenancy and held in trust with the bond centre.
Two weeks rent in advance is to be paid upon the commencement of your tenancy.

Question 4

Do I need insurance?

Accepted Answer

We strongly recommend that you take out some personal insurance to protect your belongings at the property. The insurance may also provide you with liability cover should you or a visitor come and accidentally or carelessly cause damage to the property.

Question 5

Can I sublet rooms in the house?

Accepted Answer

This is something that needs to be agreed upon with the landlord prior to entering into your tenancy agreement. Your agreement will then specify how many people are allowed to reside in the house and if you are allowed to sublet. This must be strictly adhered to during the term of your tenancy.

Question 6

Am I allowed a pet?

Accepted Answer

·         The New Zealand Government is proposing changes to the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) that will allow landlords to require pet bonds and require tenants to get written consent 
          from their landlord to keep a pet.

·         Pet bonds: Landlords can require a pet bond in addition to the regular rental bond, up to a maximum of two weeks' rent.

·         Written consent: Tenants must get written consent from their landlord to keep a pet. Landlords can only refuse consent on reasonable grounds, such as:

·         The property is not suitable for the pet, such as due to size, fencing, or other features.

·         A relevant bylaw or body corporate rule prohibits the pet.

·         The tenant has not complied with relevant bylaws.

·         The pet is a dangerous or menacing dog.

·         There is reason to believe the pet has attacked people or other animals.

·         Liability for pet damage: Tenants are liable for all pet damage beyond fair wear and tear.

Question 7

Do I have to do the gardening?

Accepted Answer

Tenants are generally expected to keep a garden neat and tidy, with lawns mowed and basic weeding done. If you’re lucky enough to have gardening included as part of your tenancy agreement then you don’t have to do this.

Landlords are required to maintain hedges, pruning of trees or specialty plants and shrubs.

Question 8

Can I change the locks?

Accepted Answer

No, not without the written consent of your landlord or property manager.

Question 9

Can I remove a smoke alarm?

Accepted Answer

Tenants must not damage, remove, or disconnect a smoke alarm. A requirement is to let your property manager or the landlord  know if there are any problems with the smoke alarms as soon as possible.

Question 10

What happens if I miss a rent payment?

Accepted Answer

The simple answer is to pay your overdue rent as soon as you can. We pride ourselves on our careful tenant qualification and screening processes. Applications are approved only when we are confident the rent will be paid on time, every time. We therefore advise each tenant of our zero tolerance policy for late rent payments.

If you believe you may be late with a rent payment please notify us immediately by email at email link so we can inform the owner.

Eviction will follow should the issue persist over time.

Question 11

When will you need to access my rental property?

Accepted Answer

We conduct entry inspections, exit inspections, routine and other inspections throughout your tenancy. The frequency of the routine inspections is outlined in your tenancy agreement. You will always receive the required notice under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 before we enter the home.
If maintenance or repair work is needed, we will need to arrange our contractors to access the property to do the necessary work. All repairs will be scheduled and communicated with you.

Question 12

What should I do if I need some repairs or maintenance to be done at my property?

Accepted Answer

It’s very important that you contact us immediately if you have any urgent repairs.  For non-urgent repairs and maintenance please contact us as soon as possible, it’s a requirement under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 that you notify us of any issues at the property.

Question 13

What happens if the property gets damaged?

Accepted Answer

It’s very important you contact us as soon as possible if you know of any damage that requires attention. If you don’t notify us as soon as possible then the landlord may be able to claim some of the costs of repairing the damage from you if it gets worse.

Intentional Damage
If you (or any of your invited guests) intentionally damage the landlord’s property, you must advise us immediately. Once we’ve inspected the damage and received quotations for the cost of the repair you will be required to pay for this.

Careless Damage
If you or your guests carelessly damage your rental property, you are liable for the cost of the damage up to four weeks’ rent or the landlord’s insurance excess (if applicable), whichever is lower.
If you and your property manager/landlord are unable to agree on who should pay for this damage then either party can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal to seek a ruling.
If any damage occurs, it is for the landlord to prove that the damage is not fair wear and tear. Following this, you must prove that the damage was neither careless nor intentional.
If the damage is neither careless nor intentional, you are not liable.

Question 14

What happens if the property gets sold?

Accepted Answer

If you are on a fixed term tenancy, your tenancy will continue up until the expiration of the agreement, there will just be new property owners. If you are on a periodic tenancy and the new owner decides they do not wish the tenancy to continue, they will give you 90 days written notice.

Question 15

What do I do when I want to vacate?

Accepted Answer

If you signed a periodic tenancy agreement and want to vacant, you must give 28 day’s written notice. Once we receive the notice, we will advise how you can get your bond refunded.
If you signed a fixed term tenancy you will need to contact your property manager to discuss the options of breaking a fixed term tenancy.

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