Frequently Asked Questions on Renting
Rental Issues
How do I arrange any repairs that might be needed?
You need to advise the property manager of all requests for maintenance or repairs, preferably in writing. Maintenance forms for this purpose are often provided when you first move into the property.
It is essential that you do not attempt to repair things yourself - you have a responsibility to advise the agent of maintenance matters that require attention. Your tenancy will include provisions for how you should handle repairs or maintenance requests.
What should I do if urgent or emergency repairs are needed at the property?
Generally, emergency repairs are required when the occupants' health and safety - or the property itself - is threatened.
You should immediately contact your agent and ensure you give them the opportunity to arrange for the emergency repairs, as long as they are completed in the most urgent and expedient manner possible.
If you cannot contact your agent, you may have been supplied with a list of tradespeople nominated to handle emergencies when you signed your tenancy.
If some of my possessions are destroyed in a fire at my rental property, will my landlord pay for them?
As the tenant, it is your responsibility to insure your own personal belongings - the owner is responsible for insuring the fixtures and fittings included in the property at the time of letting, as well as the premises.
If you do not have home contents insurance for your personal belongings, you may need to bear the cost of replacing your possessions.
Am I allowed to put up picture hooks?
Before you make any alternations or additions to your rental property - including picture hooks - you should contact the agent. It is wise to do this in writing, specifying exactly where you want the picture hooks to be placed.
Where can I find information about the rules and legislation that relate to renting?
Feel free to speak to your Harveys property investment manager if you have any questions that specifically pertain to your property or go to the Department of Building and Housing website www.dbh.govt.nz
Otherwise, you should be able to find most of the general information you need online from various local authorities. These will depend on the area/town where your rental property is located, but useful ports of call include your local council, as well as relevant consumer groups and government departments.
Where can I find information about the rules and legislation that relate to renting?
Feel free to speak to your Harveys property investment manager if you have any questions that specifically pertain to your property or go to the Department of Building and Housing website www.dbh.govt.nz
Tenancy FAQs
As a tenant, what documents should I expect to receive before I move into a property?
Documentation should include a copy of the tenancy agreement, information about renting, a copy of the bond lodgement form and the condition report, which is to be completed, signed and returned to the agent or owner within the required time frame.
You may also receive a receipt for the initial rent amount and bond payment, as well as copies of access keys and any remote controls. The property manager will also provide you with emergency contact details for urgent out-of-hours repairs.
What happens when the tenancy expires?
If you have a fixed term tenancy you will find details of the expiry date in your tenancy agreement. If this date passes, your tenancy becomes a 'periodic tenancy agreement'. This ensures all parties are bound by the original tenancy terms.
You can also request a tenancy renewal from your property manager. The owner of the property has the right to renew the tenancy or not, letting arrangements continue under the terms of the original tenancy or the property manager will issue to you the appropriate notice requesting that you vacate the property.
It is important for you to discuss whether or not you want to continue living in the property with the property manager well before the expiry date of your tenancy, which allows everyone to make the necessary plans and arrangements.
I want to break my tenancy, but have another person who wants to take over the property. What do I do?
Any agreed handovers must be done correctly and legally - you and the other person should contact your property manager as soon as possible and let them know what you want to do.
You should also be aware that your landlord has no automatic obligation to agree to your request - the new person must complete an application form, provide references and carry out all the other steps that are necessary for anyone to be approved as a tenant.
If this application is approved, the new person should not move into the property until a final inspection has been carried out and the necessary arrangements are made with your landlord for the release of your bond from the appropriate authority through your property manager.
What happens if I need to leave the property before my fixed term tenancy expires?
In this event, you are responsible for all reasonable expenses incurred by the landlord to locate a replacement tenant.
You would also need to continue paying rent until a new tenant is located and enters into a new tenancy agreement. You and the property manager are both able to actively seek a new tenant - but this individual must complete all normal processes and checks before they are approved.
It is essential that you not leave the property without notifying your property manager - this will likely result in the loss of your bond and could also create a bad rental history record, which may make it more difficult for you to rent again in the future.
What happens if the owners of the property I am renting decide to sell?
There are a number of different scenarios that can occur if the owner decides to sell - these can depend on the expiry and terms of your tenancy agreement.
For example, if you are within the fixed term of your tenancy and the property is sold to another investor, you continue to have your rights to the property as a tenant when the new owner assumes the responsibility as your landlord.
If the property is sold to someone who wishes to live there, you will be given notice to vacate - this will usually give you plenty of time to arrange your next property.
As an existing tenant, your Harveys' property manager is perfectly-placed to help you find another rental property that suits your budget and preferences.
Where can I find information about the rules and legislation that relate to renting?
Feel free to speak to your Harveys' Property Manager if you have any questions that specifically pertain to your property or go to the Department of Building and Housing website www.dbh.govt.nz.
