Rent Arrears Assistance

26/10/2021

Have you fallen behind in rent? Worried you might lose your rental?

You may be able to get Rent Arrears Assistance. You don’t need to be on benefit to qualify for this one -off payment.

Here is handy link for further information on who can get it and how to apply for assistance if you are falling behind.

https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/housing/live-in-home/housing-costs/rent-arrears.html#null

Rental Application Process

12/10/2021

Step 1 – The properties T and T Property Management have available for rent are advertised on our web page, Trade MeFacebook and if appropriate the local newspaper. If you have seen a property that you would like to view we ask you to drive by first to ensure it is in an area you like and the look of the property appeals to you.

Step 2 – If the property appeals to you please contact us to confirm availability and suitability. We will arrange a time for one of our Property Managers to meet you on site and provide a guided tour.

Step 3 – Once you have found a property you would like to rent we may ask that you complete an application form through our website. This can, in some instances, speed up your application process. It is important that every person who intends to occupy the property completes this form. It should be completed in full so that your application can be processed promptly.

Step 4 – Your application will be processed and in most cases this will be turned around within 24 hours. This is subject to all information being supplied and we are able to make contact with your referees etc.

Step 5 – If you are the successful applicant you will hear from the Property Manager by phone, if you are unsuccessful you will receive a text.

Step 6 – If you are the successful applicant, the Property Manager will contact you to arrange an appointment to sign a Tenancy Agreement. At the time a Tenancy Agreement is signed, you will be required to pay a deposit of at least one weeks rent to secure the property and the remainder agreed funds must be paid in full before move in date.

Ways to increase rental return

28/09/2021

With the right improvements you could add value to your property which would attract higher rent or fetch a higher yield when you plan to sell the home. When you own your own home, renovations are about creativity. But when you own a rental property, you need think about what’s practical rather than imposing your own personal tastes.

Here are some simple but effective improvements which can make a difference to your rental income:

Kitchen – the kitchen is the heart of the home, renters are happy to pay more for a home with a good kitchen. Kitchen renovations don’t need to be extravagant and can be easily budgeted for. Repainting or replacing your cupboard doors and handles, and swapping out your old tapware, can quickly boost the appeal of the space.

Refresh the bathroom – after the kitchen, a bathroom renovation is a tried and tested way to add value to your rental. Get your bathroom waterproofed, heated and well ventilated. Some relatively cheap fixes include, replacing any old shower curtains, shower heads, and fixtures, scrub away any mould and if need be, put in a new vanity.

Add a bedroom – Does the layout of your property allow for an additional bedroom? Adding an extra bedroom to your rental can attract a lot more people than previously before.

Off – street parking and/or garaging – A car space can be a huge bonus, adding a carport or having access to a garage is something that tenants will pay more for.

Heating – a warm property is going to attract many tenants. If you install a heat pump in your home, you are bound to differentiate your home and attract tenants that are willing to pay more for this convenience. 

Qualities of a dream tenant

14/09/2021

Rent paid on time – Paying rent on time is one of the most fundamental aspects of any tenancy. Paying rent helps the owner pay their mortgage but in return gives the tenant a stable place to live.

Treat the property as if it were their own – A tenant that is “house proud” is a great quality to have, especially when it comes to maintaining the value of your investment and keeping your mind at ease. As well as not causing any damage, the tenant will keep your property clean and tidy and let the property manager know of any issues, should they arrise.

Long-term tenancy – Keeping a tenant in your property long-term is ideal, as it saves you time and money trying to replace them if they leave.

Maintenance communication – something small can turn into a big expense for owners. An ideal tenant will notify their landlord when they notice any maintenance issue that requires attention.

Accommodating – provides access to property inspections, during the tenancy with minimum inconvenience to all.

Adheres to legislation and terms of the Tenancy Agreement – the most important of all! A tenant that follows the terms and conditions of their tenancy agreement and requests permission for pets and property alterations.

What is considered when screening potential tenants?

31/08/2021

1 Relevant criminal convictions: Online background checks are done to avoid tenanting to potentially destructive tenants. However when completing a background check it is a case by case process. Which involves considering the nature of the offence and the severity.

2 Good credit history: Checking an applicant’s credit history may help you avoid rent arrears. As you’ll have upfront insight into whether or not they’ve been responsible with their money in the past.

3 Stable income and employment: Landlords and Property Managers need to feel confident in their tenant’s ability to pay rent and on time each week. This helps to have a employment reference included in the application form.

4 First impressions: Remembering first impressions are everything! You are more than likely to be remembered by your first impression. Whether it is over the phone or at a viewing. Respect is very important.

5 Reference checks: With any prospecting tenant a reference check is always completed to get a better understanding of the potential tenants renting background and personal character.

Trusted Partner

17/08/2021

We are please to be signed up as a trusted partner of tenancy.co.nz. As we strive to do better everyday and provide excellent service to our clients. A service that constantly provides us with the knowledge and support with the ever changing laws and regulations around property management.

Fines after July 1st

03/08/2021

The 1st of July deadline dawned on us fairy quickly and it is important all landlords understand what that means when a new tenancy begins.

As you may already know after July 1st 2021 all new tenancies and renewals in rental homes will have to fully comply with the Healthy Homes standards within 90 days of the start of the tenancy or renewal.

Landlords can face a fine of $7200 if they fail to comply with any of the Healthy Homes Standards (whether the property is non-compliant on one or all of the standards).

There is also a fine for landlords providing a false or misleading statement or information. This has gone up from $500 to $900. 

1st July Update – Healthy Homes

06/07/2021

A reminder update for everyone, tenants and landlords.

As of the 1st of July, all new tenancies and renewals in rental homes will have to fully comply with the Healthy Homes standards within 90 days of the start of the tenancy or renewal.

We here at T And T Property Management have been working hard at getting properties healthy homes compliant within the time frame. We have been working with many preferred suppliers that have played a huge part in getting these properties compliant.

Our tenants have been very helpful in allowing our suppliers to go in and get these jobs done. We appreciate each and every one of our tenants that has made this process a little easier.

5 Surprising facts about Property Management

22/06/2021
  1. Bonds, we don’t hold bonds it is held by a third party
  2. We are the middle person and act on behalf of the owner so cant always make decisions on the spot
  3. When suppliers do jobs we use trusted suppliers but it is out of our control for some jobs on their time frame
  4. Coming to view a property is like going to a job interview – first impressions always count
  5. When it comes to any property management queries we do our best to respond as soon as we can, however our job means we are often in and out of the office.

4 Qualities the Best People in the Property Management Industry Tend to Have

08/06/2021

When it comes to choosing a property manager it is important to take time and do your research. Having a good property manager can help attract and keep good tenants . Below are 5 qualities the best people in Property Management tend to have.

Experience: A good property manager will have thorough a understanding on all things property, especially an understanding of legislation.

Communication: A strong property manager should have exceptional communication skills, both written and oral.

Organization: A property manager must have contact information for both owners and tenants, along with phone numbers for maintenance staff, contractors and vendors. A property manager maintains a calendar of due dates for inspections and rental payments.

People skills: One of the most important qualities a property manager should possess is the ability to work well with people. Negotiation skills are a must in working out issues with angry tenants or persuading an owner to make improvements.