Tenant FAQs
How do you qualify prospective Tenants?
We meet all interested parties at the property. If a tenant is interested in a property, we ask them to completed a comprehensive application form, providing personal and business references, and authorising previous landlord and credit checks. Our property managers deal with hundreds of tenants each year and have a very good feel as to whether tenants will be suitable or not. Once all the information has been collated and checks completed, we will recommend to the landlord who we feel is the most suitable tenant/s so they can make the final decision, if they wish.
Please note, per any of our properties advertised on Trade Me, we do not accept the Tenancy Tracker application available on Trade Me, as this does not have all the required information we need. All our applications must be submitted via www.tpsportal.co.nz/tenancy_application/tps7768
When can I view a property?
As soon as we can arrange suitable times for access to the property, viewing times are either advertised, or we will contact you as soon as we have a viewing time confirmed. Remember, first impressions do count.
How do I apply for a property?
You need to complete our Tenancy Application Form. Please complete in entirety, with as much information about your your and those living with you, so we can process your application quickly.
Is the property furnished or unfurnished?
The landlord or property manager will indicate if the property is fully furnished, partly furnished or unfurnished. Most of our properties are unfurnished.
Is any whiteware included?
The landlord or property manager will indicate what whiteware, if any, (washing machine, dryer, fridge, microwave), is included with the property.
Do I need to sign a Fixed Term Tenancy?
The Landlord may have preferences if a Fixed Term or Periodic Tenancy is preferred. However, we are happy to discuss between the parties their preferences. Some landlords specifically request a tenant go sign a Fixed Term Tenancy.
What are the differences between and Fixed Term Tenancy and a Periodic Tenancy?
A Fixed Term Tenancy is for a specific length of time and cannot be ended by notice during the term of the Tenancy. A Fixed Term Tenancy cannot be for a period of less than 90 days. They automatically become Periodic Tenancies on expiry of the Fixed Term unless either party gives the other party written notice of their intention not to continue with the Tenancy. This notice needs to be given between 21 and 90 days before the date the Tenancy expires. The landlord and tenant may agree to enter into a new Tenancy Agreement, or extend the existing Tenancy Agreement. The rent cannot be increased during a Fixed-Term Tenancy unless there is provision for an increase written into the Tenancy Agreement. Fixed-Term Tenancies may be ended early by the agreement of all the parties to the Tenancy, by assigning the Tenancy, or through an order of the Tenancy Tribunal.
A Periodic Tenancy lasts until either the tenant or the landlord gives the required notice to end it. Under a Periodic Tenancy a tenant must give a landlord at least 28 days written notice that they want to end the Tenancy and a landlord must give a tenant at least 3 months (90 days) written notice to end a Tenancy.
The exceptions to this rule are:
If the owner of the property or a member of the owner’s family requires the property to live in, or there is an agreement to sell and the buyer wants the property empty, then the notice period is 42 days. If 42 days’ notice is given, the landlord must include the reason in the notice to end the tenancy. If a landlord gives a tenant notice to end the tenancy, then the tenant is entitled to continue possession of the property until the termination date. However, if the tenant chooses to move out sooner than that date, then they must still give 28 days’ written notice to the landlord. Sometimes a landlord will not mind the tenant leaving earlier but this must be agreed between them in writing.
What length Tenancy should I sign?
This is agreed upon between the tenant and the landlord; however the landlord will often favour a tenant that is prepared to commit to a reasonable Fixed Term.
What checks do you conduct?
We conduct thorough reference checks and credit checks on all tenants. Be honest with any issues that we may find during these checks, as honestly is the best policy.
How much do I need to pay before I move in?
We collect two week’s rent in advance and 4 weeks rent as Bond. On-going advance weekly rental payments need to be made once you have moved in.
What happens to my Bond once I’ve paid it?
This is paid directly to the Department of Building and Housing (DBH) and is held by them until such time as you vacate the property.
Do I get Interest on my Bond?
No. All Bond payments are held in a Trust Account by Tenancy Services. Any interest earned on this account is put towards to running of the Department of Building and Housing.
When can I move in?
This will depend on whether the property is vacant or still tenanted and is agreed at the time of letting with the landlord.
How do I pay my rent?
We require rent to be paid by Automatic Payment directly into our Bank account.
How often do I need to pay my rent?
You can pay your rent in advance either weekly or fortnightly.
Does my rent include GST?
No, there is no GST included in residential rent payments.
Do you inspect the property with me before I move in?
We always conduct an initial inspection, take photos and then prepare an initial inspection report which remains on our files. As a tenant you will be given a copy of this report so that you can make comments where appropriate and take photos of your own to support your comments. These reports form the basis for the final inspection report when you vacate the property.
Who pays for power, phone and water?
Power and phone are the tenant’s responsibility. Metered water and wastewater charges are also the tenant’s responsibility however the fixed charges are the landlords responsibility.
When do I have to pay my water bill?
You will be billed for your metered water and wastewater charges and these are due for payment within 14 days.
Can I have pets?
Pets can be negotiated with the landlord however this is their decision.
Can I have flatmates?
Flatmates may be permitted but this ultimately is the decision of your landlord or property manager.
If I have flatmates whose responsibility is it to pay the rent?
If you are the main tenant then it is your responsibility to pay the rent in full and on time.
How many people can live at the property?
Your landlord or property manager will advise you how many people can permanently reside at the property.
Is it OK to smoke inside?
By default there is no smoking within the home or on the grounds of our tenanted properties.
Do I need house insurance?
It is the landlord’s responsibility to insure the property.
Do I need contents insurance?
It is the tenant’s responsibility to insure their possessions that are on your property.
How often do you inspect my property?
We carry out inspections on every property not less than four times per year. The main focus of our inspections is to ensure that your property is being looked after. A tenant must be given 48 hours notice of an inspection and they are given the opportunity to advise of any maintenance issues that may need addressing.
Can a landlord or property manager inspect my property without notifying me?
No, you must be given at least 48 hours Notice that the landlord or property manager wishes to visit the property.
What happens if my rent is late?
Occasionally a tenant can be late with rent, and for this reason we check through our rental software system on a daily basis, to ascertain what rent and other costs (water rates etc.) are overdue. We immediately contact the tenant and remind them that payment is due that day. This process continues on a daily basis until the money is paid, however if 5 days pass without funds being received we issue a formal 14 day notice advising that payment is in arrears. Failure to comply with this payment request will result in a Tenancy Tribunal application being lodged where we will seek to have the Tenancy ended. We will always try to resolve the issue before going to the Tenancy Tribunal.
Who looks after the gardens, lawns and swimming pools?
This is agreed with the landlord at the time the property is rented. It is quite common for the tenant to be responsible for the gardens, lawns and swimming pools, although some landlords prefer to arrange these themselves through a private contractor.
What happens if there is a problem late at night or over the weekend?
We have a property manager available to deal with after-hours emergency situations 7 days a week.
What happens if something needs to be repaired but it is not an emergency?
You should contact us and advise of the problem so it can be addressed.
Who do I contact if I have a question?
Just contact us and we will be able to answer all questions for you. If your question is not satisfactorily answered you should contact Tenancy Services on 0800 Tenancy (0800 7362639).
Can a landlord increase my rent?
A landlord can increase your rent, but you must be advised, in writing, at least 60 days before they put the rent up and the increase cannot be for at least 365 days after the previous rent increase or Tenancy start date. In a Fixed Term Tenancy the rent can only go up if this is written in the Tenancy Agreement or when the lease is renewed. Rent reviews are conducted annually to ensure that market rent is being achieved. This in no way infers you will receive a rent increase.
What happens if the landlord wants to sell, or does sell, the property I am living in?
A landlord is quite within his/her rights to sell the property you are living in. Often a landlord will offer a rent reduction if they want to sell a tenanted property. In return they will ask the tenant to make an extra effort to keep the property presentable and vacant for open homes as well as having the disruption of Real Estate Agents bringing purchasers through the property at other times.
If a property is sold and you are on a Fixed Term Tenancy then you have the right to remain at the property until the Fixed Term tenancy expires.
If a property is sold and you are on a Periodic Tenancy there is a chance you may be given the required notice under the Residential Tenancies Act to Vacate from when the Sales & Purchase agreement becomes unconditional if the new owner requires vacant possession. If the new owner does not require vacant possession of the property then they may choose to continue your Tenancy under their new ownership.
How much Notice do a landlord and a tenant have to give each other?
Under a Fixed Term Tenancy you are entitled to remain in the property until the expiry date. A Fixed Term Tenancy automatically becomes a Periodic Tenancy unless either party has given notice that they do not want this to happen. This notice needs to be given no sooner than 90 days before the end of the tenancy and no later than 21 days before the end of the tenancy. A Fixed Term Tenancy cannot be ended before the end of the Term without the written Agreement of both parties, or a Tenancy Tribunal order.
In general, under a Periodic Tenancy a tenant must give a landlord at least 28 days written notice that they want to end the Tenancy and a landlord must give a tenant at least 3 months (90 days) written notice to end a Tenancy.
The exceptions to this rule are:
If the owner of the property or a member of the owner’s family requires the property to live in, they must give you 63 days notice that they will be living in the property within 90 days for a minimum of 90 days.
If there is an agreement to sell and the buyer wants the property empty, then the notice period is 90 days.
The landlord must include the reason in the notice to end the Tenancy. If a landlord gives a tenant notice to end the tenancy, then the tenant is entitled to continue possession of the property until the termination date.
However, if the tenant chooses to move out sooner than that date, then they must still give 28 days’ written notice to the landlord. Sometimes a landlord will not mind the tenant leaving earlier but this must be agreed between them in writing.
What are my responsibilities when I vacate a property?
All rent and utility charges must be paid. The property must be left in a clean and tidy state and all rubbish must be removed. The grounds must be tidy, gardens weeded and lawns mowed unless this is the responsibility of the landlord as per your Tenancy Agreement. Carpets must be professionally cleaned at the Tenants expense once the property has been vacated. Keys, remotes etc. must be returned to our Office. A final inspection will be arranged once the property is vacant and all keys have been received by us. The initial inspection report will be used as a benchmark for the final inspection with due consideration given for fair wear and tear, but not for intentional or careless damage.
When will I get my Bond back?
When you vacate a property a Bond refund form will be completed for you to sign. A final inspection should be completed by the landlord, using the initial inspection form as a benchmark, to check that nothing is broken or damaged. The tenant is not responsible for normal wear and tear to the property or any possessions let with it, but is responsible for any intentional or careless damage. Some, or all, of the Bond can be claimed for anything left undone by the tenant in relation to the tenancy such as unpaid rent, damage to the property, items missing, cleaning or gardening. Once all obligations have been met, including final Water rates, the form will be forwarded to the DBH. Legally, even when there are no disputes, a property manager/landlord has 2 weeks from the vacate date before they must forward the Bond form back to the DBH who will refund the Bond to you less any monies owed by you to the landlord.