TENANTS

Renting a property can be a long term commitment which becomes your family home and perhaps your biggest financial responsibility.

Todd & Co Realty strives to always work in partnership with you to ensure you have the simplest experience possible. Your rent is thoroughly receipted so clear reports are available at all times and bonds are lodged correctly in a timely manner so you know your money is secure. Regular inspections to make sure your homes are maintained and safe with experienced property managers available to provide legal knowledge and direction.

All Tenancy Agreements are in writing and your initial inspections completed with you, plus we provide you with copies to give you total peace of mind.

For more information and getting the best out of your rental home view our Tenant Information Guide.

SEE OUR EMERGENCY CONTACT INFO HERE.

Launching soon is Unity Home - Providing safe, affordable, and supportive housing in Invercargill. View our Unity Home Prospectus here or register your interest here.

FAQs

What should I do if I accidentally damage my rental property?

If you accidentally damage the property, let us know right away. Report the issue to your Todd & Co property manager as soon as possible so we can assess and arrange any needed repairs.

What happens if I miss a rent payment?

We understand that mistakes happen and sometimes a payment can slip through. If you do miss a rent payment but catch up quickly and it's a one-time error, we won't take any formal action. However, our system will flag the payment as overdue, and we'll reach out to you right away to let you know and to help resolve it.

Who is responsible for connecting utilities such as power, internet, and gas?

In most cases, setting up utilities is the tenant's responsibility. This means you'll need to arrange the connection of power, phone or internet, gas, and any other services for your rental. We recommend organising these before you move in so you're not left without Wi-Fi.

How can I ensure I get my bond back when moving out of a rental property?

Getting your bond back comes down to leaving the property in good condition and with no rent arrears. When you move out, you want the home to look the same as when you moved in, aside from normal wear and tear. Here are some tips to help you get your full bond returned:

Clean thoroughly: Give the entire property a deep clean. Pay special attention to the kitchen (oven, stovetop, and fridge), bathrooms, and any carpets or flooring.

Fix any damage: Repair or report any damage that occurred during your tenancy. For example, if you accidentally broke a light fixture, arrange to have it fixed.

Pay all rent and bills: Make sure your rent is paid up to your move-out date and settle any outstanding utility bills. Also return all keys, access cards, or garage remotes you were given.

Attend the final inspection: If possible, be present for the final walkthrough with your property manager. This gives you a chance to address any issues they might find on the spot.

What property inspections do you conduct and what happens if I'm not home?

At Todd & Co Realty, we carry out a few standard inspections during your tenancy to ensure the property is maintained:

Initial inspection: At the start of your lease, we complete a thorough inspection to document the property's condition. This record protects both you and the owner.

Routine inspections: We perform routine inspections periodically once a quarter. You'll always receive at least two weeks' notice before a routine inspection. These check-ups let us see that everything is in order and address any maintenance issues early.

Exit inspection: When you move out, we conduct a final inspection to compare the property's condition to what was recorded at move-in. This helps determine if any damage beyond wear and tear needs addressing before we refund your bond.

When can I call my property manager?

You can contact your property manager for general or non-urgent matters during business hours. Remember, your property manager has personal time outside of work too, so it’s best to keep communication within office hours unless it is something urgent.

For urgent issues that occur after hours or on weekends, you can either notify your property manager or contact the emergency tradespeople nominated for your property.

Please note: If a tradesperson attends and determines the issue is not urgent, you may be responsible for the after-hours call-out fee.

What is considered “fair wear and tear” in a rental property?

"Fair wear and tear" refers to the normal, gradual deterioration of a property from everyday use. In other words, it's the minor wear that naturally happens over time. For example, carpet getting a bit worn where people walk frequently, or paint fading on exterior walls, would usually count as fair wear and tear. Tenants are not responsible for this kind of ordinary aging of a property.

Why should I take out contents insurance?

We highly recommend that tenants have contents insurance for their personal belongings. There are two big reasons to consider getting a policy:

Your belongings aren't covered by the landlord's insurance: Your landlord's property insurance will cover the house itself, but it does not protect your furniture, electronics, clothing, or other personal items. If there's a fire, flood, or burglary, contents insurance helps you replace your stuff.

How can I apply for a property?

Applying for a rental with Todd & Co Realty is straightforward. Start by viewing our current rental listings on our website or contacting our office for available properties. Once you find a home you're interested in, you can apply online through the specific property listing link on tenant.co.nz.

My circumstances have changed – can I end my fixed-term tenancy early?

A fixed-term tenancy is meant to last until the agreed end date, but we know life doesn't always go as planned. If you need to end your fixed-term lease early, let us know as soon as possible. There isn't an automatic right to break a fixed-term lease under New Zealand law, but at Todd & Co Realty we will do our best to help. Usually, the process involves finding a suitable replacement tenant to take over your lease.