The Benefits in using Villa Property Management

Owning and maintaining property is a specialised business whether owning for investment or owning to occupy as a home. Whatever your motivation for owning rental property, it is important to:

1. Effectively manage the relationship with your tenant;
2. Ensure that the maintenance of your property is kept up to date, and to
3. Ensure that rent payments are made in accordance with the agreement.

• Villa Property Management, as a professional manager, can undertake these functions leaving you or your family or friends free from the day to day business of management.
• Villa Property Management are specialists in the property management field.
• All Villa property managers are employed full time as property managers which enables them to focus their activities on the needs of management clients.
• As a Villa client, your property manager will not only manage the rent collection and maintenance but also be directly responsible for reletting your property should a vacancy occur.
• Villa Property Management can deal with all maintenance needs from minor repairs to a complete refurbishment. We have a network of qualified tradespeople who carry out necessary maintenance requirements.
• Villa Property Management is a licensed real estate agents and therefore operate under strict legislative and audit requirements for the handling of money received in trust.
• Villa Property Management, as licensed real estate agents, hold current 'Certificates of Approval,' issued annually by the Real Estate Agents Licensing Board, for each of its managers. This enables Villa to provide a full letting service as opposed to some companies which only collect rent and cannot arrange tenancies.
• Villa Property Management has proven accounting systems for rent collection and monitoring of rent arrears.
• Owner clients are sent a statement each month showing rent received and expenses paid.
• Villa Property Management provides owner clients with an arms length relationship with tenants. This is particularly useful in any negotiation, review or termination of a tenancy.
• Villa Property Managers are members of the Real Estate Insitute of New Zealand and are therefore bound by a Code of Ethics.
• Villa Property Managers are experienced in mediation and Tenancy Tribunal procedures.
• We work for your interests as owner

Frequently Asked Questions

As a landlord, you'll have some questions for us before signing the dotted line. Some of the more frequently asked questions about rental property management are listed below. Any other questions that you have can be answered by any of our property consultants - just call us.

How are you going to screen the tenants?

We have a strict criteria and selection policy. We thoroughly screen tenants who want to rent a property through our agency. We check at least two references, including overseas references on all prospective tenants (previous landlords and work) plus a credit check on tenants ability to pay rent.

How long will it take to rent my property?

Every property is unique but on average it takes only a few days to find a suitable tenant. Sometimes it can take some extra time to check and process references and that may extend the process however the screening process is one of the cornerstones of successful rental property management. And of course, market trends, the location of the property and the rental may also influence the time factor. Our focus is to ensure we find you the right tenant that results in a positive rental relationship.

How does the rental come to me?

We will credit your account with all monies collected on your behalf. A detailed statement will be sent to you or your nominee at the end of each month.

How do you collect the rent?

We collect the rental payments on your behalf. Our staff checks for expected payments on a daily basis. If there are arrears, this is followed up immediately. We will begin the legal process in order to fast track any future action should it be needed.

What happens about a bond?

At the commencement of each tenancy, a bond is taken and lodged in trust with the Bond Centre. It is not returned to the tenant until the condition report has been checked at the end of the tenancy. Should a claim arise, this is dealt with before the bond is authorised for release.

Who pays the insurance and rates?

You can continue to do so or at your request, we will make these payments for you. If a claim to your insurance company is required, we can also do this on your behalf.

What about the Residential Tenancies Act?

We are fully conversant with the terms and conditions of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 and administer them rigorously. We act as the landlords advocate and will pursue legal action with speed and efficiency.

What happens if we need to go to the Tenancy Tribunal?

We attend any Tenancy Tribunal hearings and Court appearances on your behalf. Given that we always act within the Residential Tenancies Act, we achieve good results for our clients.

What if the tenant neglects the property?

There will always be wear and tear on property, just as there would be with your own home. We undertake regular 3 monthly inspections of both the interior and exterior. A written report is then sent to you. At the start of each tenancy, a detailed condition report is completed which clearly records the current condition of the property. This stands as a proof of condition should disputes arise. We negotiate with tenants on your behalf to resolve disputes. Should there be a claim of negligence, we will take action on your behalf through the Tenancy Tribunal.

Who undertakes repairs and maintenance?

We follow your instructions in regard to repairs and should you have your own tradespeople, they will be contacted. We can also assist in this area and have an extensive list of reliable tradespeople that are preferred suppliers to Villa Property Management.

Can you do the minor repairs yourself?

Of course you can undertake any repairs that you feel capable of doing yourself. It is always worth considering professional assistance, however, should the repairs require any significant alterations or structural work.

What assistance can you provide with property upgrades?

As with any home, rental properties will require upgrades from time to time. In some cases, it can also assist with maximising your rental potential from the property. We can assist with all facets of this from painting, carpeting to a complete overhaul. Just talk to us and we'll come up with a plan that is suitable for you and your property.

What about ongoing maintenance?

We have tradespeople who undertake regular maintenance work such as annual cleaning of chimneys and gutters. We will contact you to see if you would like us to arrange this service for you.

Do I pay management fees if the property is empty?

We have a policy that can be best described as "no rent, no fees". This means if the property is empty or the tenant is in arrears, we will not be charging any fees.

Can you offer investment advice?

At your request we can engage the full resources of Villa Real Estate valuation and sales divisions to review the performance of your investment and make recommendations to better utilise existing equity. We will be happy to assist you with further acquisitions or sales as required.

Management Fees

• 8% (+ GST) of rent collected
• 8% (+ GST) of repair and maintenance bills
• Letting and reletting are at no charge to owner
• 7% (+ GST) for more than 1 property
• Complete inspection of grounds and interior of the property $50.00 + GST
• Bond inspection $50.00 + GST
• Credit Check - e.g. Baycorp $25.00 + GST
• Inventory check on fully furnished properties $100.00 + GST
• Other services by negotiation