Renting Information for Tenants
Frequently Asked Questions by Tenants & Prospective Tenants
Does Ray White provide Casual Letting?
Yes
What does Ray White do if I do not pay my rent?
Ray White Bogue Hibiscus has a zero tolerance for rent arrears. If you are 1-3 days in arrears, a phone call is made or txt is sent informing you that a payment has been missed. If no payment is received, a 10-day notice is issued advising you, that you are in breach of your Tenancy Agreement. Rental payments are required to be paid in advance.
The 10-day notice is issued when you are between 5-7 days in arrears. Any arrears in excess of 7 days will be followed up with a second arrears letter and application to Tenancy Services.
Ray White Bogue Hibiscus has the right to make an application to Tenancy Services at the same time the 10-day notice is sent to you.
If you have still not paid the rent owing, a mediation or hearing will be scheduled through Tenancy Services for you and the landlord to have their case heard. This will result in either owed rent to be paid and/or the tenancy terminated.
What do I do if something on the property needs repairing?
Phone or email your Property Manager and tell them what the problem is. On our website www.rworewa.co.nz under ‘renting’ there is an ‘on-line’ Repair Request. A contractor will be organized and you will be contacted to arrange a suitable time for them to come around and do the work needed.
What do I do if I have any complaints about work not being completed or if I feel I have been treated unfairly?”
Contact your Property Manager to discuss your concerns and issues. If you are not satisfied with the outcome contact the Company Principal, Alan Roberts on (09) 427 0266} and he will assist you.
How do I view a property that I am interested in?
Every property listing under Available Rentals includes phone and email contact details for the Letting Agent. They’ll be happy to arrange a viewing for you after receiving your Tenancy Application.
What do I need to accompany my tenancy application?
Photographic ID and previous rental references are best. With your permission, we will complete a credit check and police check.
How much do I pay to move into a property?
Five weeks’ rent.
1. The first week’s rent
2. One week’s rent plus GST (12.5%) as a letting fee
3. Three weeks bond
Note: Under the Residential Tenancies Act up to 4 weeks’ bond can be charged.
Do I need to pay GST on rent?
No. You only pay GST on the letting fee. All rent after that is GST free.
Do I need insurance?
We strongly recommend it. The landlord’s insurance will not cover your possessions.
How do I pay my rent?
Automatic Payment: Your Property Manager will give you an automatic payment form and once completed they will lodge it with your bank for loading before the day the automatic payment is due to commence.
Cash: We do not encourage cash payments. However, cash payments can be made to National Bank of NZ, or ASB.
How often can my rent be increased?
Under the Residential Tenancies Act rent cannot be increased more than once every 180 days, and the landlord must give the tenant 60 days written notice of this increase.
How often can the landlord inspect the property?
There is no limit on how often the landlord can inspect the property. As a rule though, we recommend at least 3 inspections a year. The landlord must give 48 hours notice of any inspection. Inspections can only be carried out between 8.00am and 7.00pm.
How often will you inspect the property I am renting?
Most properties we managed are inspected about every 3 or 4 months. If the owner wants more or fewer inspections, though, that’s their choice. A comprehensive report, including any maintenance issues, is sent to the owner after each inspection.
What happens if the owner decides to sell the property?
You will be sent a letter telling you of the owner’s intentions. Your Property Manager will discuss suitable access for potential buyers and, with your agreement, form a plan for this arrangement.
If the property is sold and the buyer requires vacant possession, you will be given 42 days written notice. If you decide to leave earlier you are bound by the Residential Tenancies Act to give 21 days’ written notice to the landlord.
In many cases buyers are pleased to keep you on as a tenant, so it is important to talk with your Property Manager before making a decision about staying or leaving.
What happens if the owner wants to move back in?
They must give you 42 days written notice. If you decide to leave earlier you are bound by the Residential Tenancies Act to provide 21 days written notice to the landlord.
What happens if the owner just wants me out?
They must give you 90 days written notice to vacate the property. If you decide to leave earlier you are bound by the Residential Tenancies Act to provide 21 days written notice to the landlord.
How much notice do I have to give if I want to move?
21 days written notice. You are bound by the Residential Tenancies Act to pay rent up until this date – the only exception being if the property can be re-tenanted beforehand. The landlord cannot double charge rent on a property.
How do I give the keys back when I leave?
Your Property Manager will arrange a time to inspect the property for the final bond inspection. At this time you are expected to hand the keys back. In many cases the Property Manager may arrange for you to drop the keys back into our office.
How do I get the bond back?
After the final inspection, your Property Manager will arrange the release of your bond unless there has been damage to the property or the rental account is not up to date. In those cases, they will claim either all or part of the bond for the owner.
What do I do if I have any complaints about my Property Manager?
Contact our Company Principal, Alan Roberts, email alan.roberts@raywhite.com
