Tenant Information Getting Started
The Tenancy Agreement This is a legal contract. It's important to understand what kind of agreeement you are signing.
Periodic - A periodic tenancy is one that lasts until either the tenant says they want to leave or the landlord asks the tenant to leave.
Fixed - A fixed term tenancy only lasts for a set amount of time - for example, six months. You cannot give notice to leave before the agreed day. Your landlord cannot give you notice either.
Who signs the agreement? If one person signs, that person is legally responsible. If more than one person signs they are usually all responsible. That means that any one of those people can be held responsible for the actions of any of the others.
'Address for service' An 'address for service' is an address where mail about the tenancy can be sent and you can be sure to receive it, even after you have moved out.
Records Keep all records, papers and documents about your tenancy even after the tenancy is over in a safe place.
The Financial Side
Rent in Advance Usually this is one or two weeks rent. Two weeks is the most the landlord can ask you for. This pays the landlord for the week(s) to come. If you have paid two weeks rent you do not have to pay again until that money is used up - that means two weeks later.
Bond Up to the same amount as four weeks rent money. This is the most the landlord can ask you for. The bond is held by Tenancy Services. If you don't pay all your rent or if you cause damage to the property then the landlord can ask to keep the bond money when you leave.
Your Responsibilities
You must - Pay your rent even if you're unhappy about something to do with the property, you still have to pay the rent. It is important that you always pay the rent on time.
- Keep the property reasonably clean. It dosen't need to look perfect, but it does need to be reasonable.
Tell the Landlord or your Property Manager if something needs to be fixed. It is your responsibility to tell the landlord about any problems.
The landlord owns the property, but while you rent it, it is your home. This means the landlord has to respect your peace and privacy.
Giving the right amount of notice When you want to move out make sure you write a letter to give the correct notice to the landlord or your Property Manager. In a periodic tenancy it's 21 days (three weeks).
When you move out Make sure the property is completely clear of everything you own and it is left clean and tidy. Remove all rubbish and give all the keys back to the landlord.
If you have a problem and your property is not managed by Guardian First National
- firstly try and talk it out with the landlord.
- call Tenancy Services on 0800 83 62 62 - to find out your rights
If you would like me to email you a list of rental properties available please drop me a line at rentals@guardianfirstnational.co.nz For more information visit:
http://www.dbh.govt.nz/tenancy-index