Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long will it take to lease my property?

At Vision, our average time to lease your property varies depending on market conditions, however in recent months it has averaged less than 10 days. We begin marketing your property the day it becomes available and focused solely on finding you a qualified tenant in the quickest possible time.

How do you determine the best rent for my property?

We always strive to get you the maximum rent possible; however we also must keep in mind setting the correct market rent to get your property rented as soon as possible.
To do this, we consider these factors:

1. Demand - is there currently a high or low demand for rental properties? This can be seasonal and affected by a number of factors.
2. What is available now - we look at properties currently available for rent and consider their location and features for comparison to calculate a maximum rent for your property.
3. What we have rented right now - We compare your property with what we have currently rented, taking into account property location and features.

These factors allow us to give you enough information to set the right rent for your property.

What if I want a rent amount that is higher than your recommendation?

You may place your property on the market at whatever rental amount you wish. However, keep in mind that it is market demand that sets the rent, and if the market (i.e. prospective tenants looking for a rental property) think that the asking rent is too high, your property may stay vacant longer than necessary.
With this in mind, be aware your annual rental return will be reduced by 2% for every week it is vacant!

Do you guarantee the tenant?

We can never guarantee the performance of the tenant for your property. We can only use our professional skills and experience to verify that the tenant can afford to pay the rent and to form an opinion on whether the tenant will maintain the property to an acceptable standard.
As the paying of rent and the maintaining of the property is purely voluntary on the tenant`s part, we cannot guarantee any tenancy outcome. This is a landlord risk that comes with owning an investment property. We recommend that you take out landlord protection insurance if the risk greatly concerns you.

Who signs the tenancy documentation?

It is usual practice for us to sign these documents on your behalf.

May I give you some special instructions?

Yes. You may give us some special instructions in relation to the property and the way it is managed, provided the instructions are lawful. These special instructions will need to be either specified in the Authority Form or provided in writing to us.

How secure must the property be?

The law requires that an owner must provide and maintain locks and other security devices to the property in order for the property to be "reasonably secure".
It is recommended that key operated deadlocks be fitted to all external doors and windows.

The property is a house, who is responsible for maintaining the lawns and gardens?

Unless otherwise agreed, the tenant is responsible to maintain the lawns and gardens to the standard they were given at the start of the tenancy.
If the property is provided with watering systems these need to be working and kept maintained during the tenancy.

Can a tenant break the Tenancy Agreement?

Residential Tenancy Agreements are legally binding contracts. However, if a tenant wishes to break the Agreement and vacate the property before the fixed term expires, the tenant is responsible for the following:

• rent until the date a new tenant takes over the property, or until the fixed term expires (whichever happens first)
• any agreed advertising costs

It is important to note that the owner/agent must make reasonable efforts to minimise any potential losses the tenant may suffer in this situation.

Who pays for damage by the tenant?

The question of what constitutes damage and what is considered acceptable "wear and tear" is always an issue in property management.
In cases of damage to a property attributable to a tenant that is not considered normal wear and tear, normally the bond will provide sufficient protection to remedy the damage.
If not, the owner can take action in the Tribunal against the tenant. Also, landlord protection insurance can cover this type of situation.

What should I do if I change my address, bank account, phone numbers, email address, etc?

Please notify us in writing as soon as possible.

What happens to any mail that comes addressed to me at the property?

We ask the tenants to forward to us any mail addressed to you, however, they are not always as diligent with this as we would like.
It is strongly recommended that you request NZ Post to redirect your mail to you.