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2149 days ago

About to go flatting? 🏠🏡🏘🏚🏢

Jessica Brown from Citizens Advice Bureau Te Awamutu

With the shortage of affordable, quality places to rent, the pressure comes on to sign up fast or miss out. It’s a good idea to make sure you go into things prepared and know your rights.

Here are a few essentials:

• You should have a written tenancy agreement. Read it, so you know what you’re in for, preferably before you sign up for the flat.

• 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 you’re trying to get your bond back.

• The upfront costs when you go into a flat are up to four weeks’ rent as bond and two weeks’ rent in advance. The rent should be similar to the rent charged for similar properties in the same area. Unfortunately, it’s the market that decides what’s reasonable. It’s unlawful for you to be charged a letting fee.

• If there are a few of you in the flat, make sure that anyone who’s 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.

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30 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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8 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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3 days ago

Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!

Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?

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Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
  • 78.6% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
    78.6% Complete
  • 21.4% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
    21.4% Complete
622 votes