Frequently Asked Questions by Tenants & Prospective Tenants

What if I do not pay my rent?

Village Rentals & Property Management (Village Estate Agents Limited) has a zero tolerance for rent arrears. When you are in 1 day, 3 days, 5 days and 7 days of arrears our trusty system will send out an automated arrears notice. If no payment is received, a 14-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 14 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 phone call and an Email with a second arrears letter and application to Tenancy Services.

Village Rentals has the right to make an application to Tenancy Services at the same time the 14-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 if something on the property needs repairing?

Phone or email your Property Manager and tell them what the problem is. 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.

How do I view a property that I am interested in?

Every property listing under Available Rentals on TradeMe includes a box on the bottom right hand corner where you can book a viewing through Viewing Tracker.

What do I need to accompany my tenancy application?

Photographic ID is required, any current visa and proof of employment is appreciated. With your permission, we will complete a credit check, a background check, an employment check and reference checks.

How much do I pay to move into a property?

Six weeks’ rent.

1. The first two week’s rent
2. Four 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. 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?

Bank transfer is the best option for payment. Automatic payment should be set up to ensure that payments are not missed.

How often can my rent be increased?

Under the Residential Tenancies Act rent cannot be increased more than once every year, and the landlord must give the tenant 60 days written notice of this increase.

How often can the landlord inspect the property?

The landlord can inspect the property every 4 weeks, although generally they are every 3 months. 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 90 days written notice. If you decide to leave earlier you are bound by the Residential Tenancies Act to give 28 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 63 days written notice. If you decide to leave earlier you are bound by the Residential Tenancies Act to provide 28 days written notice to the landlord.

How much notice do I have to give if I want to move?

On a Fixed Term tenancy: you cannot leave until the end of your fixed term tenancy expires, although arrangements can be made to break the lease.

On a periodic tenancy: 28 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. Keys should be returned by 4PM on the vacate date.

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 if I want to break a Fixed Term Tenancy Agreement early?

A Fixed Term is a Fixed Term but in saying that we can provide flexibility if the Landlord agrees to it.  There are costs involved in this and you will need to discuss this with your Property  Manager.  You would be liable for the rent up until we find a new tenant to take over the Lease.  We require  written notice of your intent to vacate and confirmation of you agreeing to pay funds covering the costs involved transferred into our trust account before advertising would begin.  Your bond cannot be used for the costs of breaking a lease.