Landlords
Supporting Property Owners In Southland
Leave It To Us
With our experience and long standing reputation in Southland, we will take the hassle out of running your rental property and manage the entire process for you from start to finish.
Due to the ever changing government legislation it has become increasingly more important to understand the changes that have taken place and to comply with these. We have seen a significant uptake in landlords engaging the services of property management companies to protect themselves and their valuable asset.
As accredited members of REINZ we are informed and trained accordingly with any legislation changes.
You can trust in us to take care of your property all while adhering to the appropriate laws on your behalf.
What We Can Offer You
Marketing Your Property
At Rent South we use a wide range of marketing initiatives and digital platforms to promote your property in the best and most efficient way while finding you the best available tenant.
Your property will be a part of comprehensive advertising on popular sites such as trademe.co.nz, Facebook, and here directly on Rent South’s website.
All property viewings are created from the most up to date photos, data and technology available.
Tenant Selection
Selecting the right tenant is critical in protecting your investment from financial and physical harm.
At Rent South we strive to match the right tenants to the right properties always.
Using industry best-practice tenant screening, all prospective tenants are required to go through our same checks via the Renti platform which includes the following:
- Employer/past landlord reference.
- Any Tenancy Tribunal orders online.
- Credit checks completed by Centrix.
Protecting Your Investment
Our unique point of difference is that we are dedicated and we use proven systems.
These include:
- Monitor rent payments with zero tolerance for rent arrears, we have strict procedures in place that include, phone call, text, emails, letters, and a visit.
- Bond collection – 4 week bond collected and lodged with Tenancy Services.
- All maintenance and other property related expenses are paid directly from the rent and detailed on your monthly statement. We can also pay rates and insurances on your behalf.
- Regular detailed inspection reports identify any repairs and maintenance issues. The reports include photographs, these are completed with state-of-the-art technology that Inspection Express and Paperless Office have to offer which provides tailored, comprehensive property reports, paperless condition reports, and 360 virtual tours.
- We work closely with a trusted network of tradespeople so the job gets done correctly, on time, and with competitive pricing.
- Mediation and tribunal representation.
Outstanding Management
We take the hassle out of being a landlord:
- Competitive and affordable management costs.
- Landlord payments – you get paid on the 1st and 15th of each month, or the next business day directly credited into your nominated bank account. A detailed financial statement is sent for every payment made.
- Latest and most reliable cloud-based MRI Palace Property Management software systems.
- Compliance and risk Management – we take care of ensuring your property is compliant to the appropriate industry regulations including the healthy homes standards.
- Tenant Management – we strive to develop and maintain a good relationship, friendly yet professional in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act.
- General advice on the latest legislation changes, market trends and market rent reviews.
- Maintenance software platform Tapi which includes QR codes installed in all properties and a tenant concierge service for tenants to lodge maintenance 24/7 giving them a bit more accountability and troubleshooting the maintenance requests.
Let’s chat and discuss how we can work for you, it’s that easy. Contact us today!
Landlord FAQs
What is the likely rental amount for my property?
We are happy to visit the property and provide you with a free no obligation rental appraisal. When an assessment is carried out we consider the location, age, condition and the highlights of the property. Along with rent statistics for the area and similar listings that we currently manage.
Can I see a copy of your management agreement?
Absolutely – please call us 021 736 811 or email us leeann@rentsouth.co.nz and we will email you an information pack which includes our Management Agreement, plus a whole heap of useful information to help you make a better informed decision.
What happens if repairs need to be carried out at my property?
Most minor repairs in a property are simple things that our tradesman can handle on the spot, and at little cost to the property owner. Repairs that need the attention of a professional (say a plumber or an electrician) and which can cost more than a pre-arranged limit are reported immediately to you, the property owner, for consideration.
Do you offer advice on how we can get more from my investment?
We know what it takes to look after, maintain and improve a rental property. Often there can be things that you can consider doing to your property that will make it more ‘rentable’, allow you to raise the rent, or even add to its capital value for your future investment plans.
Who is responsible for making sure smoke alarms are compliant?
Landlords must ensure all properties have working compliant photoelectric smoke alarms that have a battery life of at least 8 years. Installed within 3 metres of each bedroom door, or in every room where a person sleeps. This needs to be checked at the start of each new tenancy and remain in working order during the tenancy.
Can you take a pet bond?
We often get this question asked by tenants, the maximum bond a landlord can charge is equivalent to four weeks rent. You can’t charge any more than this even if you allow a pet.
Who is responsible for maintaining the lawn and gardens?
Generally, tenants are responsible to maintain gardens and lawns to a reasonable standard.
Owners are required to maintain hedges, pruning of trees or specialty plants, shrubs, weed spraying and even cleaning out of spoutings.
We would recommend that owners maintain the full section if there are a lot of plants/hedges that require pruning and plant maintenance.
What happens if my property is damaged by a tenant?
Tenants need to tell the landlord if they know of any damage or need for repairs. If the tenant does not notify the landlord as soon as possible the landlord may be able to claim some of the costs of repairing the damage from the tenant if it gets worse.
Intentional Damage
If a tenant (or their invited guests) intentionally damages the landlord’s property, the tenant must tell the landlord. The landlord can ask the tenant to repair the damage, or to pay the cost of replacement or repair.
Careless Damage
On 27 August 2019, new legislation took effect, which will affect tenants’ liability for damage.
If tenants or their guests carelessly damage a rental property, they are liable for the cost of the damage up to four weeks’ rent or the landlord’s insurance excess (if applicable), whichever is lower.
If the landlord and tenant can’t agree who should pay, either can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal.
If any damage occurs, it is for the landlord to prove that the damage is not fair wear and tear. Following this, the tenant must prove that the damage was either careless (and not intentional), or neither careless nor intentional.
If the damage is neither careless nor intentional, the tenant is not liable.
What happens when the lease is due to end?
We review current tenancies well in advance of the lease end date and consult with you and your tenants to negotiate another term.
Ideally we encourage good tenants to stay as long as possible! However if the tenant wishes to vacate, we market your property to potential tenants up to 4 weeks prior to vacancy.
This means in most cases, we have quality tenants ready to move in when the property is vacated or shortly thereafter.