Frequently Asked Questions - Tenants
When do I get my keys?
When do we need to pay the bond?
All the keys will be handed over during the initial inspection. They’ll then become the responsibility of that tenant.
Bond payments should be made in one full payment (just like rent) before the start of your tenancy. If your tenancy is starting on 1 January, we prefer if the bond is paid by the end of November the previous year. The bank account to pay the bond into is on the first page of your tenancy agreement. We then send your bond money to the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, where it is held for the duration of your tenancy.
Please note: We cannot hand over the keys until the bond is fully paid.
When is rent due and how should it be paid?
We kindly ask that one full payment is made per flat, rather than individual payments per person. You will find our bank account details on the front page of your tenancy agreement.
Rent is always paid in advance, on a weekly basis, unless another arrangement has been made.
For example:
If your tenancy starts on January 1st, your first payment is due on or before that date and covers you through to January 7th. Your next payment is then due on January 8th, and so on.
If rent is paid on time each week, your final payment for a full-year tenancy will usually fall around December 24th. This final payment will cover a week and one day, accounting for all 365 days of the year (or 366 in a leap year).
Who is responsible for the electricity and internet?
In most cases, you’ll be responsible for setting up electricity and internet connections.
You can compare providers to find the best deal for your needs. Some plans offer “free power hours”, but depending on your usage, a plan with lower rates all day might actually save you more.
To find your property’s ICP number (for electricity setup), visit:
https://www.ea.govt.nz/your-power/your-meter/address/
What if something in the flat needs fixing?
Let us know as soon as possible if something needs repairing — even small things like a leak under the sink. Prompt repairs can prevent bigger issues, and we’re always happy to come by and take a look.
Please avoid doing repairs yourself, as this can sometimes cause further issues or increase the cost.
What if there's an emergency after hours?
​We switch our cellphones off from 10pm – 6.30am, but in an emergency, please call our after-hours number, which you can find on the front page of your tenancy agreement.
Emergencies include:
- Major water leaks (e.g. from a pipe)
- Fire
- Electrical outages (check your circuit breakers first, and check with neighbours)
We are happy to help with non-emergencies, like internet issues, beeping smoke alarms, or locking yourself out of your room, in the morning.
How does rubbish and recycling work?
Every flat comes with a:
- Red-lidded bin for general waste
- Yellow-lidded bin for recycling
- Blue crate for glass
For North Dunedin, collection is on Tuesdays — please have bins out by 7am.
Check what can go in each bin here:
https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/services/rubbish-and-recycling
For inner-city apartments, arrange private collection through providers like Enviro NZ. Smaller bins can be provided, and you can find public recycling stations here:
https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/services/rubbish-and-recycling/central-business-district-cbd-residential-recycling-hubs
Who is responsible for cleaning the flat?
You are! 😊 Keeping the flat clean during your tenancy is your responsibility — including regular mould cleaning in wet areas. This helps keep you and the home healthy.
We recommend a natural method using vinegar, which is effective and non-toxic.
Here’s a helpful guide:
https://www.merrymaids.com/cleaning-tips/diy/a-guide-to-cleaning-mold-with-vinegar/