Owners
What happens if my tenant doesn’t pay their rent?
We have a no tolerance rent arrears policy.We pride ourselves in our careful tenant qualification and screening processes. Applications are approved ONLY on the grounds that we are confident that the rent will be paid on time. However, a minority of tenants still get behind in their rent, despite all of our tenant screening procedures. We have sophisticated systems in place to minimise arrears including phone, SMS, email and letter-based reminders.
How long will it take to lease my property?
The time needed to lease your property varies with market conditions. We market your property as soon as we receive notice that the existing tenants are vacating. Generally, we can arrange viewing times with the existing tenants’ agreement and secure a new tenancy prior to the existing tenants vacating. This ensures minimum vacancy between tenancies.
How do you get the best Tenants for my property?
Like you, we want the best possible tenant for your property.
To make sure that happens, we:
Verify rental history and
/
or ownership of property
Request and check all photo identification
Verify employment
Verify rental history and
/
or ownership of property
Present only the best application(s) for your final decision.
Perform multi agency credit checks on all tenants applying for the property
Match the best possible tenant for your property’s character and location. Tenants who get on well with their neighbours are likely to remain longer in your property!
Present only the best application(s) for your final decision.
How much bond do you charge?
We give you the option when signing your management agreement with Maintain Property to charge 3 or 4 weeks bond. However we recommend 4 weeks.
Do you undertake methamphetamine testing on your properties?
We strongly recommend having your property tested before a new tenant moves in and then in between each tenancy.
There are two main reasons for this:
We use official lab tests, the cost of testing varies on the size of the property.
Advising the new tenant that we regularly test for meth and have a negative test result prior to them moving in is likely to deter any meth users or manufacturers.
If we find a positive test result on vacation of a tenant it is imperative that you can prove the liability falls on that vacating tenant to ensure you have insurance cover and can hold the tenant liable.
We use official lab tests, the cost of testing varies on the size of the property.
Can I the landlord carry out my own maintenance?
Yes certainly, however we require that you sign a form stating you wish to do so and you must adhere to all the terms set out in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.
Tenants
What do I do if I have a maintenance issue?
If you are concerned about something in the property, please contact us. It is important to advise us promptly where repairs are necessary as failure to do so could result in you being responsible for the damaged caused. You can either call us on 033650404 or login to you tenant portal and lodge the maintenance issue. We will then contact you back as soon as it is appropriate to do so.
When and how do I pay rent?
Rental payments are by automatic payment into our bank account as per the automatic payment form provided when you sign the tenancy agreement.
When there is a group situation in one property, rent must be paid from only one account - we cannot accept several payments from different accounts.
If you are making a payment by Internet banking, please ensure your tenant code is noted and your name and property address so the funds can be correctly allocated. Alternatively, please call us to advise when the payment will be made.
What Happens if I miss a rent Payment?
In accordance with your Tenancy Agreement, rent is due and payable on or before the due date. Failure to pay rent by the due date may result in proceedings being taken to terminate your tenancy. Our company has a zero tolerance to rent arrears. If you are experiencing problems in this area it is imperative that you make contact with us immediately.
What's the difference between a fixed term tenancy and a periodic tenancy?
A fixed term tenancy cannot be terminated with notice by either you or the landlord. It has a start and finish date and you are responsible for the rent for the entire term of the tenancy.
A periodic tenancy can be terminated by either you or the landlord giving notice.
The landlord has to give 90 days notice for any other reason.
You have to provide the landlord with at least 21 days written notice if you wish to move out.
The landlord must provide you written notice of 42 days if the property has been sold or if any of the landlord's family require the property for their own use.
The landlord has to give 90 days notice for any other reason.
If you wish to vacate before the 42 days or 90 days you will have to give the landlord 21 days written notice.
What is my bond for and how do I get it back at the end of my tenancy?
Your rental bond is help as security against damage or undue wear and tear. It will be lodged with the Tenancy Services Division of the Ministry of Housing. The bond will be refunded once we have completed a bond inspection and any work required has been completed and paid for.Ensure that you have left the property in a clean and tidy condition and as per the requirements of your Tenancy Agreement. This generally means that there should be no rubbish lying around with the gardens and lawns neat. Internally the walls, doors, windows and ledges, kitchen and bathroom should be clean, and carpets commercially cleaned also. If in doubt check with your property manager.
Damage
For any outstanding damage which is considered to be your responsibility, and that has not been repaired by you, an Application may be made to the Tenancy Tribunal to request payment of your bond to the landlord to cover any damages. Sometimes damages may be awarded against a tenant, in excess of the bond money held.
Rent Arrears
Ensure there is no overdue rent, water or other debts owing from your tenancy.
Bond Inspection
Your property manager will carry out a bond inspection. This will be done soon after you have vacated the property and the keys have been returned. (Maintain Property requires keys to be returned by 12 noon on the termination date.)
Bond Refund
If the inspection is satisfactory, your property manager will complete the paperwork and send off the application for a Bond Refund to Tenancy Services.
What should I do if I lose my Keys?
Your property manager will always have a spare key to your property. You can contact them to arrange to borrow a key and cut a copy. Please note that it is a breach of the Tenancy Agreement to change the locks without the landlords approval.
