faq’s
Landlords FAQ’s
Why do I need a Property Manager?
A property manager takes the stress out of owning a rental investment. The rules and requirements, (for example, the Residential Tenancies Act and compliance for Health and Safety), can change. This can be difficult for landlords to stay on top of. As well, your property manager deals with problems or issues that arise with tenants.
Why should I choose Hawke's Bay Rental Management?
Zara is a property investor, and has personal experience of the risks involved in owning residential rental properties.
Her experience as a Past President and long standing member of Hawke’s Bay Property Investors Association adds value to her unique, boutique style property management business.
What would it cost to have Hawke's Bay Rental Management manage my property?
Our all-inclusive fee is 12% of weekly rent.
Do I have to sign a fixed term management contract with Hawke's Bay Rental Management?
No, we believe you need the flexibility to manage to your investment. If your circumstances change – say you decide to sell your property, or move in to it – you need to know you’re not locked into a Management Contract.
What does Hawke's Bay Rental Management do if a tenant misses their rent payment?
Communicate immediately with both tenant and owner.
How much does a tenant pay to move into the property?
One week rent in advance PLUS four weeks bond. There is no letting fee.
How does the tenant pay their rent?
Rent is paid by automatic payment or by a WINZ benefit redirection.
All rent must be paid in one amount, direct to Hawke’s Bay Rental Management Trust bank account.
Please contact Hawke’s Bay Property Management immediately if you have any issues regarding this on 027 329 3893 or email zara@rentalmanagement.co.nz.
How often can the rent be increased?
Under the current Residential Tenancies Act rent cannot be increased more than once every six months, and the landlord must give the tenant 60 days written notice of this increase. We recommend an increase every 12 months to guarantee the landlord is maintaining current market rent, which also creates security for the tenant.
How often can I inspect my property?
The Residential Tenancy Act stipulates that Landlords are able to inspect once a month.
How do property inspections work at Hawke's Bay Rental Management?
Zara recommends inspections every three months. After each, a comprehensive report is sent to the landlord. There may also be follow-up visits between inspections, to ensure any maintenance or corrective actions have been attended to.
What does a tenant do if something needs repairing at the property?
Notify Hawke’s Bay Rental Management (rather than the landlord) immediately so we can attend to any repairs or maintenance in a timely fashion.
What happens should I decide to sell my property?
Notify Hawke’s Bay Rental Management immediately so we can start the process with you for a smooth sale and purchase with or without your current tenants.
How much notice does the tenant need to give if they want to move?
A periodic tenancy requires 21 days written notice with clear details of the time and date the tenant wishes to end the tenancy. A fixed term tenancy requires negotiation in accordance with the agreement the tenant has signed.
How does the tenant give the keys back when they leave?
Hawke’s Bay Rental Management will arrange a time to inspect the property for the final bond inspection. At this time, the tenant is expected to hand the keys back directly.
How does the tenant get the bond back?
Providing everything is in order at the final inspection, Hawke’s Bay Rental Management will arrange the release of the tenant’s bond.
Re-tenanting your property. Will I be without a tenant?
Hawke’s Bay Rental Management prides itself on maintaining a minimum vacancy period between tenants while choosing the best tenant to fit your particular property.
Tenants FAQ’s
Can I apply for a property without seeing it?
We have an ‘Apply Now’ tab on our main page, where available properties are listed. Once we receive your application, we take you to see the property before your application is finalised and an agreement offered. If you live out of town and are unable to view the property in person, please call us and we can have a chat to you about your situation, and see how we can make it work for you.
What are the costs if I rent through Hawke's Bay Rental Management?
If you are successful in securing a rental home you will be required to pay the following prior to your start date:
- Rent in advance
- Bond, which is four week’s rent.
Note: The bond is lodged with Tenancy Services and remains with this government agency until your tenancy ends. It is not used for rent at any time.
How do I pay rent?
Rent is expected to be paid by automatic payment or by a WINZ benefit redirection in some cases.
All rent must be paid in one amount direct to Hawke’s Bay Rental Management Trust bank account. Please contact Hawke’s Bay Property Management immediately if you have any issues on 027 329 3893 or via email.
What do I do if something in the property breaks?
Immediately contact Hawke’s Bay Property Management via phone or email. In accordance with Section 40:1d of the R.T.A, all tenants are required to notify the landlord (in this case represented by us), as soon as possible after the discovery of any damages.
How long is my tenancy?
The start and end dates of your tenancy can be found in your tenancy agreement.
When HBRM need to enter the property?
Throughout your tenancy, we will require access to the property for regular 2/3 monthly inspections, and for any follow up on items needing attention between inspections.
We will also need access for any tradespeople to attend to work required at the property.
When you give notice or your fixed term tenancy ends, Hawke’s Bay Rental Management will arrange private viewings of any prospective tenants to view while you remain at the property. We’ll communicate with you on the timing of these viewings. Other times of entry may include owners’ request for valuations, renovations or impending sale.
We will never enter the property unannounced, and all repairs will be scheduled and inspections communicated with you, via email and/or text.
Do I need insurance?
Hawke’s Bay Rental Management encourages all of our tenants to have insurance for their contents, as well as a suitable ‘renters insurance policy’. We suggest you read and understand your insurance policy to make sure you know what the terms are.
Can the rent go up during the tenancy period?
In a fixed term tenancy the rent may be increased, but only if it is written into the Tenancy Agreement. For all periodic tenancies, rent can also be increased. For both types of tenancies, the landlord must provide you with 60 days notice of the increase. The rent cannot be increased within 180 days after the date of the last increase, or from the start date of the tenancy.
What about sub-leasing?
What should I do if I am unable to pay my rent?
Immediately communicate with Hawke’s Bay Rental Management. Non-communications will not make it go away!
Hawke’s Bay Rental Management has a zero tolerance on rent arrears. You will receive notice of arrears the day you miss rent, and we will start proceedings with necessary action as required following this. We encourage tenants to remember that rent is a priority and must be paid to ensure you remain in your home.
