Tenant FAQs

HOW MUCH BOND DO I HAVE TO PAY?

Waikato Real Estate Limited requests 4 weeks bond.

IS THAT ALL I HAVE TO PAY BEFORE I CAN MOVE IN?

No. You will be required to pay your first two weeks rent in advance to your tenancy starting, plus the bond

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY BOND?

The bond is lodged with the Bond Centre who holds it in trust. Waikato Real Estate Limited may make a claim against the bond for any of the following reasons - rent arrears, damages, outstanding water accounts, cleaning, lawns and gardens, rubbish removal. If you and Waikato Real Estate cannot agree on the amount being claimed, either of you may apply to the Tenancy Tribunal to resolve the matter.

HOW MUCH NOTICE DO I HAVE TO GIVE IF I WANT TO END THE TENANCY?

That will depend on whether the term of your tenancy is a Fixed Term or a Periodic.

What's the difference? A fixed term tenancy cannot be terminated by notice by either yourself or Waikato Real Estate Limited. It has a start and finish date and you will be responsible for the rent for the entire term of the tenancy. However, if both parties agree the tenancy can be terminated sooner – there are costs associated with breaking a fixed term and you can discuss this with your property manager.

A periodic tenancy can be terminated by notice. You are required to provide Waikato Real Estate Limited with 28 days written notice.

The landlord must provide you with written notice -

63 days if they or any of their family require the property for their own use.

90 days if the property has been sold and vacant possession required

90 days if the owner is placing the property on the market and would like the home vacant before selling

90 days notice for other reasons ie (Development, Refurbishment etc)

If you wish to vacate before either the 63 or 90 days it is important to know that you are still required to provide the landlord with 28 days notice.

CAN THE RENT GO UP DURING A TENANCY?

Fixed Term: No, Unless it is written into the tenancy agreement. Periodic: Yes

However, the rent cannot be increased until after the first 12 months of the tenancy, provided the increase is not within 12 months of the last increase.

The landlord is required to give 60 days’ notice of the increase.

CAN THE LANDLORD SELL THE PROPERTY IF I HAVE A FIXED TERM TENANCY?

Yes, the landlord has the right to list his property for sale regardless of the term of the tenancy.
However you will be entitled to remain in the property for the duration of the fixed term. This term may be extended if you and the new landlord agree. Waikato Real Estate Limited will negotiate with the landlord on your behalf to reach a mutual agreement.

WHAT ABOUT SUB-LEASING?

Waikato Real Estate Limited Tenancy Agreements do not permit subleasing or re-assigning of a tenancy.

ONE OF OUR FLATMATES HAS LEFT. CAN I CHANGE THE LOCKS?

Not without the consent of Waikato Real Estate Limited. If it is agreed then you are obliged to provide Waikato Real Estate Limited with a set of the new keys.

WHEN CAN A PROPERTY MANAGER ENTER THE PROPERTY AND HOW MUCH NOTICE AM I ENTITLED TO?

Notice for access varies as follows-

• If you agree, Waikato Real Estate Agent can enter the property immediately
• For the purpose of carrying out a routine inspection 48 hours.
• For the purpose of carrying out necessary repairs or maintenance 24 hours
• For the purpose of showing the property to prospective tenants, purchasers or a registered valuer by consent (which cannot be unreasonably withheld)

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM TEMPORARILY UNABLE TO PAY MY RENT?

The most important thing to do is to contact Waikato Real Estate Limited as soon as you are aware there will be a problem with your rent payment. Simply ignoring the problem will not make it go away and very likely cause us concern and commence breach and eviction proceedings.

WHAT ABOUT THINGS THAT NEED FIXING?

It is your responsibility to notify Waikato Real Estate Limited as soon as possible of any repairs or maintenance required so we can take the necessary action.

WHAT DOCUMENTS SHOULD I, AS A TENANT, BE GIVEN BEFORE I MOVE INTO THE PREMISES?

The following items are required:

• Copy of the Tenancy Agreement
• In-going Inspection Report
• Receipt for initial rent amount and bond monies
• Property Manager Contact Details

WHAT DOES A PROPERTY MANAGER DO?

A property manager acts as the landlord for the owner of the property. Tenants contact the Property Manager to view properties, sign a tenancy agreement and make them aware of any maintenance or emergencies. Property Managers inspect the property regularly to make sure it is in good condition and report back to the owner. Property Managers collect the rent from you and pass it onto the landlord. They also will handle any breaches of your agreement and take you to Tenancy Tribunal on behalf of the owner if necessary. You will NOT need to contact the owner directly about anything unless the property manager role was simply to find tenants and sign them up (tenant finding service). In this case, the owner will manage the relationship with you themselves and you will be given their contact details.

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY BOND AT THE END OF THE TENANCY?

It is returned to you less any claims the landlord makes against it such as damages, arrears, cleaning etc.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FIXED TERM AND A PERIODIC TENANCY?

A fixed term tenancy has a start date and a finish date you are responsible for the rent for the entire term of the tenancy it can only be terminated by mutual consent. At the end of your fixed term tenancy, if another fixed-term is not entered into your tenancy automatically becomes a periodic tenancy.

A periodic tenancy can be terminated by notice you must give the landlord 28 days written notice, the landlord can give you 90 days notice, if the property has been sold, is going on the market or they require it for their own or family's use (if you wish to vacate prior to the 90 days you have to provide 28 days notice)

WHEN CAN I GET THE KEYS?

When all payments have been made and the property is ready, this depends on the vacate date of the previous tenant but we aim for midday on the day of the start of the tenancy.

CAN THE RENT RISE DURING MY TENANCY?

Fixed Term: No, Unless it is written into the tenancy agreement. Periodic: Yes
However, the rent cannot be increased within 180 days of the start of a tenancy or within 180 days after the last rent increase.
The landlord is required to give 60 days notice of the increase.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU INSPECT THE PROPERTY?

Usually every 3 -4 months (there is no legal limit on the times we can inspect ) we are required to give you a minimum notice of forty eight hours inspections are carried out between 9 – 5pm. Mon – Fri.

DO I HAVE TO BE THERE WHEN THE PROPERTY IS INSPECTED?

No you do not have to be present, we will endeavour to give you an approximate time we will be there and leave a note or a card, you will be mailed out an inspection notice.

WHAT DO I DO IF SOMETHING NEEDS REPAIRING?

Please click here to see out Maintenance page

WHAT HAPPENS IF ONE TENANT LEAVES?

Notify your property manager immediately to take the necessary steps.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I LOCK MYSELF OUT OF MY PROPERTY?

If you do this during office hours, you may be able to arrange to pick up a key. If outside office hours, you will need to arrange a locksmith to unlock your door for you.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I LOSE THE KEYS?

If you lose keys to your property, you may need to pay for the cost of replacing the locks and having all keys re-issued. You should not replace locks without our prior consent. Please discuss with your property manager as soon as you realise your keys are missing.

I WANT SOME INDEPENDENT ADVICE ON MY RIGHTS AS A TENANT. WHO CAN HELP ME?

Tenancy Services through the Department of Building and Housing offers unbiased advice to tenants and landlords. If you need help with any tenancy issues we recommend you call them on 0800 83 6262.