Tenant Information

At Ray White, we understand that moving into a new place is about more than paperwork; it’s about creating a space where you feel comfortable and cared for. We want renting to feel straightforward and supportive, and our focus is on helping you settle in with confidence from the moment you arrive.

View our Tenant Information guide here.

Applying for a permanent rental
Read our application guidance for the stages and information the team may request. Contact the permanent-rentals team for the current application and return instructions. Stage 1 is the initial application; complete Stage 2 only when the team requests it for the appropriate later checks. Do not send identity or financial documents through the general contact form below.
Tenancy Application form Stage 1 here

Tenancy Application form Stage 2 here

Frequently asked questions – Tenants 

Q: Why do I need to provide proof of my income in the application form?

A: We assess ability to pay rent using relevant information at the appropriate stage. Preferred applicants can choose a suitable form of evidence, such as a payslip, an employer or Work and Income letter, or previous rent-payment evidence. You should not need to disclose detailed spending transactions. 

Q: Do I have to sign the privacy page in the application form?

A: Read the privacy statement before consenting. It should explain what information is needed, who receives it and the checks proposed. Ask us if anything is unclear. Consent does not remove the need to collect only relevant information at the appropriate stage. 

Q: What is the difference between a ‘fixed term’ and  a ‘periodic tenancy’?

A: A fixed term tenancy is for a definite period of time, like January to December, a specific number of months or years. As opposed to a periodic tenancy that has no specific end date, and continues until either party gives lawful notice. For example, under a periodic tenancy, a tenant is required to give 21 days notice to the landlord and the landlord is required to give 90 days notice or 42 days in specific conditions like an unconditional sale requiring vacant possession or qualifying owner/family occupation. Check the specific grounds and notice requirements before relying on a notice. 

Q: What happens if I have a fixed term tenancy and want to leave before the end of the term? 

A: Ending a fixed-term tenancy early generally requires agreement between both parties or an order from the Tenancy Tribunal.  Ideally you should only sign up or request for a fixed term tenancy agreement if you can be sure that you want to stay for that length of time. 

Q: Can I request a periodic (month-to-month) tenancy?

A: You can, but we generally require a minimum of six months’ lease initially unless it is stated otherwise.

Q: Do you check the rental property before I move in to ensure that I’m not made responsible later for any pre-existing issues?

A: A final inspection will already have been completed with the previous tenant prior to the property being re-let. However we undertake a pre-tenancy inspection immediately prior to the new tenants moving in and we supply a copy of this move-in report to the new tenant.

Q: How much notice do I need to give to vacate?

A: For a periodic tenancy, tenants generally give at least 21 days’ written notice. A fixed term does not simply end because you move out. For most fixed terms, notice to end on the expiry date must be given between 90 and 21 days before expiry; otherwise it normally becomes periodic unless another lawful arrangement applies. Check the dates and any special circumstances with us and read Tenancy Services’ fixed-term guidance.

Q: Do I need insurance?

A: We strongly recommend that you take out a policy to cover your contents, as well as your liability for damage to the property.

Information for tenants

Here are some general guidelines to help you to become a well-informed tenant.

Bonds

A tenancy bond is a payment of up to four weeks’ rent made to RayWhite by tenants when they move into a property. The bond is held to cover any losses the landlord incurs if the tenant breaches any of the conditions in the Tenancy Agreement or the general obligations of a tenant.
RayWhite will electronically lodge the Bond with Tenancy Services within 23 working days.

The bond is held by Tenancy Services until a Bond Refund is processed by RayWhite at the end of the Tenancy. 

If there is any damage to the property at the conclusion of the agreement, and the landlord and tenant agree on the value of this, then the bond is divided between the parties accordingly. However, if the parties are unable to agree on the value, then one of the parties can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for mediation.

Insurance

It’s very important that landlords and tenants understand whose responsibility it is to have insurance to make sure that both parties are protected against loss. When selecting insurance make sure that you inform your insurance company that the property is a rental property.

Tenants – Contents insurance is recommended for your belongings; it is not a blanket legal requirement for tenants. Ask an insurer about suitable liability cover and exclusions. Your landlord’s building policy does not insure your possessions. Responsibility for damage depends on the circumstances and the law. Read the Tenancy Services insurance guidance.

Landlord – The landlord must have insurance for the property (the physical buildings and the section) against fire, storm, flood, damage from burglary, etc, if they want it protected against loss. 

Repairs and maintenance

Both the tenant and the landlord have responsibilities and obligations when it comes to repairs and maintenance which both parties should be aware of. It is in both parties’ interests to have the property repaired promptly to prevent further damage and discomfort.

Report repairs promptly to your property manager using the contact instructions in your tenancy documents. For routine matters, email whangamata.property@raywhite.com with the address, description and useful photos. Do not rely on email for an urgent problem. Use your tenancy’s urgent contact instructions and call the office on 07 865 8424. If there is immediate danger, call 111. Tenancy Services explains tenants’ rights where serious urgent repairs are needed after reasonable attempts to contact the landlord: damage and repairs.

Final inspection and moving-out checklist

Use this practical checklist to help leave the home reasonably clean and tidy. It is a guide, not a requirement to improve the home beyond your legal obligations or its starting condition. Fair wear and tear, responsibility for damage and any valid pet conditions must be considered separately. Use safe methods and suitable products; report defects rather than attempting unsafe repairs.

Kitchen

• The oven, griller, oven trays, racks and warming drawer – clean thoroughly.
• Rangehood (including filters where applicable) – clean thoroughly.
• All cupboards – clean inside and out (don’t forget the tops of the cupboards!).
• Sink taps and waste disposal unit (if applicable) – clean & polish.
• Walls, tiled areas and ceilings – ensure free from grease and mould.
• All benches and floors – ensure clean and free from grease.
• The dishwasher is to be left clean. Wipe over the internal door and remove debris from the drainer (if applicable).
• Refrigerator (if applicable) to be defrosted and all surfaces to be cleaned, including shelves and crisper drawer. Switch appliances off at the wall and leave doors open.
• All switches and power points – ensure free of grease and finger marks.
• Clean accessible areas around appliances safely. Do not move heavy or connected appliances unless it is safe and appropriate.

All rooms

• Leave carpets reasonably clean and tidy. Professional cleaning and a receipt are not automatic requirements at the end of every tenancy. Discuss any damage, staining or valid pet-consent cleaning condition with your property manager.
• Windows and window sills and any fixed shelves – clean thoroughly.
• Doors and doorframes – leave clean and undamaged.
• All marks and mildew – ensure removed from walls. Cobwebs – remove from ceilings, cornices and walls. All light fittings & shades – clean and ensure free from insects.
• All floors and skirting boards – sweep/vacuum/wet mop/wipe.
• All ceiling fans (if applicable) – wipe clean and free of dust.
• Mirrors including wardrobe mirrors – ensure wiped clean.
• Drapes/curtains – rehook curtains onto tracks if missing or broken.
• Clean accessible blinds, extractor covers and vents safely. Follow fabric care instructions for curtains and report mould so its cause and responsibility can be assessed. Dry-cleaning is not an automatic tenant obligation whenever mould appears.
• Report broken glass or mirrors promptly and agree the safe repair process and responsibility.
• Light bulbs – ensure all are functioning and replace any missing bulbs.
• Picture hooks – leave on walls.
• Light switches and power points – wipe free of dirt and finger marks.
• Any stickers or decals and sticky residue – remove. Batteries in all smoke alarms – ensure all have functioning batteries.

Bathroom / ensuite

• Shower and/or bath – scrub and ensure free of all soap residue.
• Grouting – ensure free of mildew and soap residue. Shower curtain or door – scrub and ensure free of all soap residue.
• All plugholes – clear of any debris and ensure they have plugs.
• Mirror – clean.
• Vanity – scrub and ensure free of all soap residue. Vanity cupboards and drawers – clean thoroughly. Taps – polish.
• Toilet/s – clean thoroughly (bowl, seat & cistern).

Laundry

• Tub – clean and remove debris from the plughole. Cupboard – clean thoroughly inside and out. Washing machine and/or dryer (if applicable) – to be cleaned and filters cleared.

Outside area

• Where lawn care is your responsibility, leave the lawn reasonably tidy when you vacate.
• Gardens – weed (if applicable).
• Do not dump grass clippings anywhere on property.
• No rubbish to be left in the gardens, around the property or under the house.
• Recycle wheelie bin to be emptied, washed out and left on property.
• Deck – leave clean and tidy.
• Driveways, carports, garages and concrete areas
• Ensure free from oil and grease stains.
• Garage – sweep and remove cobwebs.

Pest control

• Discuss any actual pest issue and valid pet-consent conditions with your property manager. Keeping a pet does not automatically require every home to be flea-bombed. Current rules allow reasonable pet-consent conditions, including appropriate carpet-cleaning conditions in relevant cases. Read Tenancy Services’ pet-consent guidance.
• Report damage promptly. Liability depends on what happened and the applicable tenancy rules; do not assume every repair is the tenant’s responsibility.

Mediation and the tenancy tribunal

Mediation is usually the second step of dispute resolution. The first step is usually to try talking to your landlord. If the first step is unsuccessful then either the landlord or tenant can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for mediation. Mediation takes place when an impartial person (someone not personally involved) helps the two parties to reach a solution for their problem.

The mediator will allow each person to explain to the other how they view the problem, help them discuss the possible ways to solve that problem and encourage them to choose the best solution for both of them.

A mediator is not able to make a decision for the parties. They can only help and encourage the parties to reach an agreement. The resulting decision is put into a mediated order which is then binding on both parties. Occasionally the parties in mediation are not able to agree upon a decision. If this is the case, then the dispute will go to a Tenancy Tribunal hearing.

Tenancy tribunal

The Tenancy Tribunal is a special court set up to deal with unresolved problems between landlords and tenants which they have been unable to settle themselves.

A Tenancy Tribunal case normally takes place only after mediation between the parties has been attempted and the parties have been unsuccessful at reaching a resolution. A tenancy adjudicator oversees the case and makes a decision, which is legally binding on both parties.

The adjudicator listens to both parties, any witnesses and evidence that either party feels is important and makes a decision based on this information and any provisions in the Residential Tenancies Act.

For more information, visit Tenancy Services https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/starting-a-tenancy/new-to-tenancy/key-rights-and-responsibilities/ .

Pets and current rules

Ask about pet consent before bringing a new pet into the home. Since 1 December 2025, landlords need reasonable grounds to refuse consent and may set reasonable conditions. A separate pet bond can be up to two weeks’ rent where the rules allow it. Existing lawful pets at the change date and disability assist dogs have specific protections. Read the current pet guidance for your situation.

For help with the tenancy or a guide question, contact our permanent-rentals team below. This form is for general enquiries and is not an urgent-repair reporting channel.

Mould, dampness and ventilation

Help keep the home dry by using extractor fans, opening windows when practical, wiping condensation and allowing air to circulate around furniture. Ventilate when cooking or bathing and dry washing outside where possible. Keep the home reasonably clean and report persistent dampness.

Mould can also signal a leak, drainage problem or another building issue. Tell your property manager where it appears, when you first noticed it and whether there is a leak or failed fan. Include useful photos. Cleaning or opening windows alone does not fix a property defect. Do not attempt unsafe cleaning or disturb damaged materials; discuss a recurring problem with the team.

Read Tenancy Services’ mould and dampness guidance for prevention, reporting and responsibilities.