Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Great website. If I see a flat I like what shall I do?
A. Try and get all of your group together. Knock on the door of flat and ask if you can look around. Most tenants are happy to show you through. If you have difficulty, or the tenants are away please contact Jacqui.
Q. I've visited the flat and I would like to take it for next year. What do I need to do?
A. Contact Jacqui and make a time to go through the Tenancy Agreement. Please note I will only sign up a complete group eg I will not sign up a group of 3 for a 5 bedroom flat even if they swear to me they’ll find two more flatmates before the end of the year. All tenants’ names must appear on the agreement.
Q. OK. We've got a complete group and we all want to sign the Tenancy Agreement. What sort of tenancy is it?
A. It’s a Fixed Term tenancy for 12 months from the 1st January to 31st December. The agreement is a Joint and Several Tenancy Agreement. Tenants named on the tenancy agreement have shared responsibility for the entire tenancy. They can also be individually liable for the entire tenancy. This means that if one tenant causes damage to the property or gets behind in rent payments, all other tenants can be jointly or individually held responsible. They may have to pay the debt if the tenant who caused the damage or owes rent does not pay. This is the most common sort of Tenancy Agreement for Student Accommodation.
Q. How much bond do you require?
A. When you sign the Tenancy Agreement I will require equivalent to 3 weeks rent as bond, there is no letting fee or rent in advance. Your bond will be lodged with the bond centre. Please click here for further information about bonds.
Q. How do you want rent paid?
A. Weekly, by automatic payment. Your first payment will be on 1st January and your final payment will be on 24th December. The lease will have my bank account details when you sign the Tenancy Agreement.
Q. Do I need insurance?
A. Yes, you need insurance. A landlord’s insurance policy does not protect your belongings.
Please click here for further information about insurance.
Q. Can we have pets?
A. Sorry, no.
Q. What about smoking?
A. All flats are non smoking.
Q. I’m heading back home in November. Can I store my stuff in the flat over the holidays?
A. I will pass on your contact details to this year’s tenants and leave them to get in touch with you so that you can work something out together. Remember your Tenancy doesn't start until the 1st January so they are not obliged to let you leave anything prior to this date and you will be leaving stuff at your own risk. Likewise they should not leave anything behind after 31st December without asking your permission first. Nothing worse than turning up to your new flat and being unable to use your room because last year’s tenant has left all their gear behind. I do a Final Flat Inspection at the end of the year but it can get confusing if Tenants from both years have stored property at the flat. I won't refund bond until all your items are removed from the flat.
Q. Fair enough. How often do you do flat inspections?
A. Once a term and a final flat inspection before the last tenant leaves the property.
Q. The flat we like has a big backyard. Who is responsible for that?
A. You are responsible for keeping it tidy but I will mow the lawns.
Q. What sort of Landlord are you?
A. Pretty good. I have had student rental property for 20 years now and have always had good relationships with my tenants. I like the vibrancy a large student population brings to Dunedin. I have a background in building and project management and can fix most problems quickly and fairly. If you do need help please text or call Jacqui my Office Manager on 021 275 0555. She will get back to you as soon as she can.