About to go flatting? ๐ ๐ก๐๐๐ข
With the shortage of affordable, quality places to rent, the pressure comes on to sign up fast or miss out. Itโs a good idea to make sure you go into things prepared and know your rights.
Here are a few essentials:
โข You should have a written tenancy agreement. Read it, so you know what youโre in for, preferably before you sign up for the flat.
โข Inspect the property at the start of the tenancy and record the condition of each room. Take photos. While no one seems bothered about that small stain on the carpet now, it can cause grief later when youโre trying to get your bond back.
โข The upfront costs when you go into a flat are up to four weeksโ rent as bond and two weeksโ rent in advance. The rent should be similar to the rent charged for similar properties in the same area. Unfortunately, itโs the market that decides whatโs reasonable. Itโs unlawful for you to be charged a letting fee.
โข If there are a few of you in the flat, make sure that anyone whoโs not signed up on the tenancy agreement signs a flat sharing agreement. This means everyone knows where things stand and you can work through any problems that crop up.
For more information about your rights when renting, check out our website. We're here to help with free, independent information and advice. Call us on 0800 367 222, get in touch via our website, or visit a CAB near you.
And the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero is...
A huge congratulations to mother and son duo, Mary and Sam Danielson from The Puketapu Hotel.
The votes for all finalists have been tallied and they have been chosen by Neighbourly members across the country as the Prospa Local Business Hero of 2024.
The Puketapu Hotel was nominated by a local called Margaret and the nomination reads:
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'
Such a deserving business and team, well done Mary and Sam. And thank you to all those who voted!
Poll: What is the smallest size hearing device Triton Hearing offer?
Some kiwis think hearing devices are big and ugly.
What if we told you technology has advanced substantially and theyโre available in all shapes, colours, and sizes?
Go in the draw to win* a $40 MTA voucher when you share your answer to the
question below. Give it a go!
*T&Cโs apply โ must be over 18.
-
88.3% a) The size of a pea
-
4.5% b) The size of a AAA battery
-
7.1% c) The size of a $2 coin
The Tova Show
Hello! Are you a โฆ
- A student/young professional renting
- A young family, renting or owning
- An older New Zealander/retiree/pensioner
Weโre reaching out from the Tova show, the flagship weekly politics podcast on Stuff, as we prepare for our budget coverage and how itโs affecting Kiwis - weโd love to hear from you.
We need a few people who are available the week before the budget (Wednesday 22nd/Thursday 23rd May) and on the day of the announcement (Thursday 30th May).
Please email tova@stuff.co.nz or comment below if youโd like to share your perspective with us. We give you our commitment to treat your experience with sensitivity and care.
Type NFP if you don't wish your comments to be used.