Tenants

OUR SERVICES

Tenants

We know how hard it can be to find a suitable rental property in Christchurch at a price to suit your budget. We have the know-how to match you with a rental property that you can afford and where you’ll be happy.

Our targeted advertising is designed to secure quality tenants for our owners.

We listen to your requirements as a prospective tenant regarding number of bedrooms, area, school zones, garaging, proximity to public transport, and anything else you consider important.
We personally show prospective tenants around rentals and conduct a thorough screening process. We never give prospective tenants the keys and leave them to their own devices!

We present a list of suitable candidates to the owner for a decision. However, in most cases, this choice is left to Quinovic by the owner.

We conduct detailed reference checks with your previous landlords, employers and reputable character referees. We know which questions to ask to establish the credibility of referees.
We also use Renti and Centrix to look at the financial history of potential clients as well as other information lodged online by previous landlords. (This service is not always available to private landlords.)

Once your tenancy has been agreed we manage all the paperwork such as the Tenancy Agreement and ongoing inspection report for signature by you and your landlord.

We have a zero-tolerance policy regarding rental arrears and act on behalf of the owner to recover outstanding monies that are one day late.

Properties are inspected at least every three months. As the tenant, you will be given a minimum of 48 hours prior notice.

A member of the team at Quinovic Merivale is available 24/7 for emergencies. Emergency repairs will be authorised and arranged by the Duty Manager.

Tenants who arrange to have work done in the rental property may be responsible for payment.

We know that regular ongoing communication with our owners and tenants is vital to minimise potential disputes, arrears and dissatisfaction.

Our communication channels are always open. We encourage tenants to contact us if they have any concerns or need advice.

If you’re on a Periodic Tenancy, as the tenant you’re required to give 28 days’ written notice of your intention to vacate.

If you’re on a Fixed-term Tenancy no notice period can be given prior to the termination date. But you must still notify us 28 days before the end of your tenancy that you do not wish to extend or you will automatically roll onto a periodic lease.

However, should you experience unforeseen changes during your tenancy and need to vacate early, you must contact Quinovic as soon as possible so that you can get a full understanding of your responsibilities.

Towards the end of your tenancy all parties will discuss the option of either re-signing, terminating the lease, or going onto a periodic lease. Whatever the decision, the relevant documentation must be finalised 28 days prior to the end of the tenancy.

HELPFUL TIPS

Tenants Tips

Getting Started

Contact us and let us know what kind of property you require and what your budget is. We’ll do our best to find you something suitable.

Having the required information with you when you’re viewing a property will definitely work in your favour. Most landlords and property managers require the names and contact numbers for three referees. These are generally previous landlords and employers.

They’ll also do credit checks on you so will need photographic ID and your Driver’s License or Passport details.

Signing an Agreement

Be absolutely sure you know what you’re signing. If there’s more than one adult that’ll be living in the property it’s a good idea for you all to be named as tenants.

Are you signing a Fixed-term or Periodic Tenancy? Are you fully aware of your responsibilities under both options?

Condition Report

At the beginning of your tenancy you should be provided with a full condition report. Read it carefully and if there’s anything you disagree with, notify your landlord within two weeks of moving in.

During your Tenancy

During a tenancy there are terms and conditions that both the landlord and tenant are expected to follow. These will be detailed in your Tenancy Agreement. General information is also available on the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment website.

Failure to adhere to these conditions may result in penalties.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you arrange Comprehensive Content Insurance cover for your personal belongings as this is not covered by owners’ insurance.

Be aware that if you or a visitor accidentally damages the property you can be held responsible for repairs or replacement.

Inspections

Your property manager or landlord is required to carry out regular inspections of the property. This will generally happen every three months but more frequent inspections may be required. You are entitled to at least 48 hours’ notice prior to a visit that will usually be arranged at a mutually convenient time.

Repairs and Maintenance

You must notify your landlord or property manager of any maintenance issues or necessary repairs that come to your attention. In case of an emergency call the office on 03 3550348 – your call will be transferred to the on-duty property manager.

We’ll attend to the problem as soon as possible. You’ll be required to allow access to any trades people.

If you arrange repairs or maintenance without notifying the landlord or property manager, you may be held responsible for costs.

Any damage deemed to have been caused by the tenant will be invoiced accordingly.

Changes to your Tenancy

Any alterations to the original Tenancy Agreement such as a change of tenant or an increase in the number of occupants must be agreed to and documented by the landlord.

Ending the Tenancy

If you’re on a Periodic Tenancy, as the tenant you’re required to give 28 days’ written notice of your intention to vacate.

If you’re on a Fixed-term Tenancy no notice period can be given prior to the termination date. For any tenancy signed after 11 February 2021 the tenancy will automatically roll on to a periodic lease 28 days prior to the termination date- If you wish to have the stability of a further fixed period, just ask your landlord.

However, should you experience unforeseen changes during your tenancy and need to vacate early, you must contact Quinovic as soon as possible so that you can get a full understanding of your responsibilities.

Moving Out

You must ensure that the property and gardens are clean and tidy. If commercial cleaners have to be hired the cost will be recovered from your bond.

Don’t forget to redirect your mail.

Take final power/gas readings and inform your provider.

It’s your responsibility to return keys timeously on the last day of your tenancy – failure to do so may result in new keys being cut, for your account.

Your bond will be returned to you promptly as long as the property is left as it should be. Both your and our signatures are required for Tenancy Services to release any monies.