Klauster Properties Ltd - Tenant’s Blog

Rent vs Buy In New Zealand

Tenancy application

How do you get the rental home you want?

 

Looking for a rental home and filling in a rental application shouldn’t be as stressful as it is. Competitive house hunters and rising rents are often a challenge for somebody who works very hard and long hours to support a family. In addition the housing shortage is not very promising news for house hunters. The reality is that the number of applicants make landlords picky and mostly because of tenancy court orders with outstanding payments. Dealing with that the tenancy application process got tighter over recent months. That is good news for tenants with a clean history but also adds paperwork to the tenancy application that is an obstacle for busy people.

 

We experience that only 50% of the tenancy application forms return to us. Tougher rules, similar to airport security, are annoying but they do their job. Let me tell you this;

That is good news for you if you comply with the application process. You have a 50% better chance to get the rental home you want. 

 

I encourage you to show commitment and stand up for your interests in securing a rental. For getting (maybe) a rent discount and a tenancy agreement consider the follow tips;

 

1) Complete a tenancy application form

Provide all information required for the rental application. Do not leave out phone numbers and make sure all contacts have reachable phone numbers. Sometimes we receive applications with a cover letter attached with details outlining why the house hunter is interested in that property. That effort moves an application to the top.

 

2) Drive-by inspection when house hunting

Drive by and take a first impression that tells you a lot. Pay attention to drive way, car parking and conditions of the house, roof, windows and letter box. The neighborhood can make or break it for you. Remember— where you live exposes you to assumptions also important in your career.

 

3) Plan your move

Be clear about your time frame to give notice, preferred start date of tenancy and availability. If you have plans to discuss, landlords might consider this when short-listing.

 

4) Value for money

Do your homework and choose a warm, dry and healthy house. You will save on energy, heating and health related costs.

Good transport, schooling, close recreational spots and shopping facilities can save you lots of money, too. Why would you drive your family around if you can walk from home?

 

5) References and tenancy agreement

Ask questions. Everything important to you discuss it and if possible to be included in the tenancy agreement. Keep in mind both parties make commitments. Visit the website of your future landlord, read related blogs, and feel free to give a feedback.

 

6) Rent and bond are negotiable

If you found the rental home you want, but it exceeds your budget, maybe you can offer something to put on the tenancy agreement for a rent discount. The RTA is very strict at this point but mutual agreements are a tool that works in both directions. You can offer to maintain a common drive way, or find something that saves money for both parties.

 

7) Why paying a bond?

The bond is a security payment in the favour of the landlord launched with the Department of Building and Housing (normally 4 weeks rent frozen on the government bank account).

- Our philosophy is your money should be on your bank account,

- In the event of a dispute or outstanding payment, that should be a matter of cooperation between parties, otherwise a  claim goes to the Tenancy Court anyway.

 

8) Do it on the first day what landlords do on the last day

When signing the move-in inspection report, discuss everything that is not recorded and insist upon documentation. If there is an argument before a mediator or a judge later on, this documentation may come in handy. It may even convince the other party not to take you to court in the first place.

9) Be negotiable

The reality is as long as two parties talk to each other a solution and good will is possible. When a dispute ends up at the tenancy tribunal not the landlord loses a home – right? Be clever!

 

10) Remember a sad story

Few weeks ago I watched the TV series “Border Control”  illustrating a case where a young man wanted to enter Australia to meet his girlfriend. He failed the clearance check because of a conviction as teenager and his entry was declined. History caught up with him.

 

11) Cross references and credit checks make it or break it

Checks with Veda Advantage/Baycorp, hire-purchase etc often backfire when people do stupid things in earlier days. Later matured and wanting to settle down becomes difficult when applying for a mortgage, starting a business etc.  Keep your tenant record clean, don’t risk your future.

 

You deserve it to get the rental home you want .

Any question email to

Klauster

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Articles Register

The important parts of a tenancy application, 11 tips for getting the rental home you want, how to be successful with a rental application, promote yourself as house hunter with cover-letter, negotiate rent and bond and more