HELPFUL ADVICE
Tenants
LOOKING TO RENT IN AUCKLAND? YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!
Finding a new place to live can be stressful – there’s always a lot to organise and remember all at once.
In order to find the best place for you, that perfectly matches your lifestyle and budget, you need to start by asking the right questions.
The guide for tenants below covers everything you need to know when it comes to finding the right place:
- All the information you need about completing your tenancy agreement
- Things to do before and after you move in
- Property inspection checklists
- How to complete a bond lodgement with your property manager or landlord
- Useful resources to get you jump-started
HOW DOES IT WORK?
1
Ready to dive in?
First off, we start with your budget – what you can afford.
Remember to account for the bond that you will need to pay and the first weeks rent – this should account for the total move-in costs.
If you don’t keep this in mind then costs can add up quickly. For example, if the rent for a property is $500 per week, then you will need at least $2,500 to move in:
- 4 weeks’ (max) rent as bond = $2,000
- 1 weeks rent in advance = $500
- Total = $2,500
2
Next: What should I ask a property manager during a viewing
Asking the right questions are vital when it comes to finding the right place. Here are some questions you should be asking during viewings:
- Is it a fixed-term tenancy or a periodic tenancy?
- Does the property come furnished or unfurnished?
- What whiteware is included in the property? (e.g. washing machine, microwave, refrigerator, etc.. )
- How many people are allowed to live in the property?
- What type of security does the property come with?
- Does the property get morning or afternoon sun?
- Is there a garage or off-street parking available?
- Does the landlord allow pets?
- When is the property available?
- What’s the neighbourhood like?
- How close is the property to public transport?
- What schools is the property in zone for?
- Who is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of lawns, gardens, swimming pool, etc?
3
Great! You’ve found the place that’s right for you. Now how do you apply?
Once you’ve found the perfect place, you need to complete a tenancy application form so you can be considered for the rental property.
At CGPM, our application forms require you to provide detailed information about yourself, your rental history, a few references, your current employment situation, and more.
The easiest and most convenient way for you to complete these forms is to click on the ‘Application Form’ button at the bottom of the property listing, and it will take you to the form. *Please note: you will need to have (or sign-up for) a Trade Me account to login and complete the form.
Once you complete and submit your application, we’ll do the rest! This includes carrying out the required research, checks, etc. Each application is considered equally along with any other applications for the property, and you will be informed on whether or not your
application has been accepted as soon as possible.
4
If your application is accepted, congratulations! Here’s what you need to do next:
- Complete the tenancy agreement and take note of any special conditions in relation to the property.
- Pay your advance rent, and bond.
- Sign the bond lodgement form (our accounts team will lodge the bond with Tenancy Services and you will receive a letter from them acknowledging your bond has been lodged).
- Ensure you’ve set-up automatic payments for your rent from your bank with the correct reference details.
- Pay close attention and take notes during your pre-tenancy meeting with your property manager. They will guide you through all the relevant details of your tenancy agreement and detail your responsibilities as a tenant as well as any special conditions that may apply. During
your pre-tenancy meeting, your property manager will also supply you with a welcome letter, inspection checklists, and keys for the property if suitable.
5
Before moving in: here’s what you need to do…
- Make sure you complete a thorough inspection of the property yourself and make notes of any damage you discover.
- Purchase contents insurance that includes tenant liability.
- Find out when rubbish and recycling is collected by phoning the local council or by checking online for your collection day.
- Connect the necessary utilities with your preferred provider – gas, electricity, phone, internet, etc.
- Organise your mail to be redirected by the post office. (Here’s a link for more instructions: https://www.nzpost.co.nz/journey/moving-house )
6
Perfect! Now that you’ve moved in, here are the final steps:
- Check that your Property Manager has lodged your bond with Tenancy Services.
- Make a point to store all documents in regards to your tenancy in a safe and secure place. For instance, your tenancy agreement, inspection reports, bond lodgement forms, rental payments, water bills, and any other related invoices.
- Find a safe and secure place to store the keys to the house.
- Let your property manager know of any details that are not correctly recorded on your tenancy agreement as soon as possible.
- Know your rights and obligations as a tenant – see below.
TENANT RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
Find out the rights tenants have when renting property, including what charges you need to pay for, how to keep the property and what happens at the end of the tenancy. As a tenant it is crucial you know this information.
A tenant must:
- Pay all charges for electricity, gas (supplied to the property), metered water (if provided for in the Tenancy Agreement) and telephone
- Keep the property, including grounds, reasonably clean and tidy
- Tell the landlord as soon as possible of any damage or repairs needed
- Repair or pay for repair of any damage caused intentionally or carelessly by the tenant or guests
- Make sure that any limit set (in the Tenancy Agreement) on the number of people allowed to stay in the property at any one time is adhered to. Note: this does not apply to short term stays by relatives or friends
- Make sure the property is used primarily for residential purposes
- Allow the landlord reasonable access to show prospective tenants, buyers or valuers through the property
- At the end of the tenancy, remove all personal belongings and rubbish, leave the property reasonably clean and tidy, leave lawns and gardens tidy, return all keys, pass cards or other such devices and leave all other chattels belonging to the landlord at the property
A tenant must not:
- Unreasonably refuse the landlord entry when they are entitled to access
- Intentionally or carelessly damage the property or permit anyone else to do so
- Use or permit the property to be used for any unlawful purpose
- Change the locks without the landlord’s permission Interfere with the peace, comfort or privacy of other tenants or neighbours, or permit anyone else at the property to do so
- Attach any fixture to the property or renovate, alter, or add to the building, except as the Tenancy Agreement allows, or with the landlord’s written permission
- Sublet or assign (transfer) the tenancy to someone else without the landlord’s permission.
USEFUL RESOURCES
Web links
- For advice and information for landlords and tenants who rent their homes, visit: Tenancy Services
- To read the official NZ Residential Tenancies Act 1986, providing details of the laws governing all residential tenancies in New Zealand, visit: NZ Legislation web site
Tenant Welcome Letter
Our Welcome Letter is everything you need to know to start your tenancy off on the right foot.
To request a copy of our Welcome letter, please fill in your details in the box and click ‘Instant Access’.
Routine Inspection Checklist
Follow our Checklist to ensure your inspection goes smoothly and without any hiccups.
To request a copy of our Welcome letter, please fill in your details in the box and click ‘Instant Access’.
Move-out Inspection Checklist
Follow our Checklist to ensure your inspection goes smoothly and without any hiccups.
GET IN TOUCH
We would love to hear from you and help on
your property investment journey.
