Photo taken in 2009
How long have you been managing properties?
I have been managing for other people since 2007. I have been a landlord myself since 1999
How much bond do you collect?
It is standard practice to collect 4 weeks bond, which is the maximum allowed under the RTA. We can also offer tenants the opportunity to be covered through Bond Assist.
Where do you advertise?
If a landlord requests it, then Trademe is used, otherwise I usually advertise in Saturdays Chronicle, and the local free rag the River City Press. I aim to keep landlord's marketing costs down.
How often do you do inspections?
An inspection is done at the beginning and end of a tenancy. Regular inspections are done every 3 months,
Can I contact you outside of office hours?
Yes, I am available 7 days a week to both Landlords & Tenants by cell phone for urgent matters. I do appreciate my weekends, and won't contact you either on the weekend except in cases of emergency.
When do you pay the rent to the landlord?
Provided funds have cleared, I pay landlords weekly on Thursday.
What is your procedure for collecting rent arrears?
As soon as I know rent hasn't been paid, I usually send a courtesy text asking the tenant what has happened with the rent as it hasn't come through. I allow 24 hours for a reply before I take the next step.
The next step is a personal visit, with a 14 Notice in hand.
At this point, I could spend $20 of your funds and lodge an application with the Tenancy Tribunal, in anticipation that the tenant may default further. I use my discretion, and if needed will consult with the landlord.
How available are you to tenants?
I am very available to tenants, as these are our customers. Tenants contact me at anytime for any number of reasons including:
- Locked out - need a key
- Can't change the lightbulb because the ceiling is too high
- Theres no hot water
- The stove isn't going
- Leaks in the house (especially after heavy rainfall)
- Even simple things like can I plant a tree
My family in 2012
