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.

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: As part of our affordability assessment, we consider whether the rent is more than 30% of your household income. 

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

A: Signing the privacy consent allows us to complete the checks required to process your application. 

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 selling the house or if they have family moving in. 

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: If you intend to vacate at the end of your tenancy agreement, you are required to give 21 days’ written notice to us prior to the expiry of your agreement. Once the fixed term has expired, unless you have given notice to the contrary, you may continue to live in the property.

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 – The tenant must ensure they have personal contents insurance for their belongings to ensure they are protected against loss. Contents insurance will also cover your liability as a tenant. If you or another tenant damages the property you rent, you could be liable for repairs.

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.

If tenants discover damage or maintenance that needs to be carried out, then they should inform the RayWhite property manager as soon as possible.

Final inspection – guide to tenant cleaning 

To avoid cleaning charges and unnecessary deductions from your bond, it is in your best interests to ensure that the following items are attended to before your final inspection and vacating the property.

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.
• Pull out the stove and refrigerator (if applicable) and clean behind it.

All rooms

• Carpets to be commercially shampooed as per the terms of your agreement. Evidence of this must be provided when tenant vacates. Please do not hire a Rug Doctor machine.
• 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.
• Drapes – dry-cleaned if mould appears during tenancy. All net curtains (if applicable) – launder with care Venetian blinds – wipe clean thoroughly (if applicable). All extractor fans throughout the property – clean. Air vents – ensure free of dust.
• Broken glass or mirrors – replace.
• 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

• Lawns (if applicable) – mow and trim edges within 2 days before vacating.
• 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

• If pets have been kept on the premises, then you must have the property flea-bombed as per tenancy agreement. Evidence of this must be provided on vacate date.
• Damage that occurs resulting from tenant’s neglect must be rectified at the tenant’s cost.

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/ .