Useful Websites

https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/ Tenancy Services – offering advice and information for landlords and tenants who rent their homes.

http://www.legislation.govt.nz/ Residential Tenancies Act 1986 – The official act providing detail of the law governing all residential tenancies in New Zealand.

 

What do you need to know when you’re looking for a rental?

When you are looking for a new place to live, there can be a lot to organise and remember. Asking the right questions will help you choose the place that’s best for you, your budget and your lifestyle.

The next section includes useful resources for tenants and covers the things you should do when you find the right place; completing the tenancy agreement, property inspection report and bond lodgment form with the property manager or landlord, and also things to do before and after you move in.

First of all, figure out what you can afford, before you move in you will need to pay rent in advance, and  a bond . That can add up quickly, for example; if your rent is $300 per week, you will need at least $1500.

This is how the total looks like when broken down:

4 weeks’ (max) rent as bond	$1200
1 weeks’ rent in advance	$300
Total	$1500

 

More useful resources

Questions to ask your property manager:

• Is it a fixed-term tenancy or a periodic tenancy?
• Is the property furnished or unfurnished?
• What whiteware (e.g., washing machine, refrigerator, microwave, etc.) is included?
• Is it close to transport? Shops? University?
• How many people are allowed to live in the property?
• Does the property get morning or afternoon sun?
• How secure is the property? Are there deadlocks or an alarm?
• Who is responsible for mowing the lawn?
• Is there a garage or on-street parking?
• What is the landlords’ policy on smoking?
• Are pets allowed?
• What’s the neighbourhood like?
• Who is responsible for the maintenance of lawns, gardens, swimming pool, etc.

 

Found the place that’s right for you?

How to Apply:

Before your application can be considered you must complete a tenancy application form. The easiest way for you to complete this is to use the online application form obtained when clicking on the pink ‘Apply Online’ button on the side of each of our web adverts in the ‘Property Search’ section of this website. Once completed, our property manager will carry out the required research and checks, your application will be considered along with any other applications for the property, and you will be advised of the acceptance/non-acceptance of your application as soon as possible.

If your application is accepted, make sure that you then:

• Complete the tenancy agreement and take note of any special conditions.
• Sign the bond lodgment form (we will lodge the bond with the Tenancy Services and you will receive a letter from them after your bond has been lodged).
• Complete and sign the direct debit form if provided.
• Listen carefully and take notes during your pre-tenancy meeting with our property manager, they will guide you through all the relevant details of the tenancy agreement, describe any special conditions that may apply and detail your on-going responsibilities.
• Pay your advance rent, and bond .

Before you move in:

• Complete a thorough property inspection and note any damage in the property inspection report provided.
• Purchase contents insurance that includes tenant liability.
• Find out when rubbish and recycling is collected.
• Connect the gas, electricity and phone.
• Tell your doctor, dentist, workplace, gym, bank, children’s schools, friends and family that you are moving.
• Organise your mail to be redirected by the post office.

After you move in:

• Know your rights and obligations – Visit the Tenancy Services website .
• Check that your bond has been lodged with Tenancy Services.
• Keep all records – especially your tenancy agreement, inspection report and bond lodgment form in a safe and secure place.
• Keep records of payment such as rent and water plus bank statements and any related invoices.
• Secure the keys to the house.
• Let your property manager know of any details that are not correctly recorded on your tenancy agreement.