How to attract and keep quality tenants during the Covid 19 downturn
Between tenancies:
1. Bring forward planned maintenance such as repainting the bathroom or living areas
2. Update landscaping with easy care shrubs and plenty of mulch
3. Add extra heating or ventilation systems, such as a heatpump or air exchange/ HRV type system near bedrooms.
4. Replace the kitchen benchtop with a durable and contemporary material
5. Update kitchen units with new handles and re-sprayed door fronts
6. Replace the letterbox to a modern style
7. Repaint the front door in a bright and contemporary colour
8. Clean out gutters and replace any broken or leaking downpipes
9. Add a french drain to deal with water pooling and soggy lawns
10. Waterblast paths and steps to remove moss and improve the look of accessways
11. Repaint window exteriors
12. Replace south facing bedroom windows with double glazing
13. Have the house exterior commercially cleaned before photos
14. Replace damaged fence palings
Easy updates during tenancies:
1. Add a bathroom heater and heated towel rail
2. Replace lighting with LED for lower energy costs
3. Update older style curtains to lined, warm fabrics in neutral colours
4. Add a front porch canopy
5. Fit security motion detector lights to the front and rear of the house
6. Add an auto garage door opener
7. Cut back overhanging trees and shrubs to allow more light and fresh air into the home
8. Scarify lawns and re-sow bare patches
9. Install a paved path to the clothesline
10. Extend or add hard paving for an outdoor seating area in Summer
11. Install additional power points
12. If there is space consider adding a dishwasher
13. Have storage systems installed in the wardrobes and garage
Spring gardening tips
Dreaming of a garden bursting with colour and fresh produce? Shane Fairbairn, Ryman Healthcare’s Landscape Manager, shares his top tips to make it happen. You’ll be set to create a gorgeous, relaxing space in no time - grab your trowel, and let’s dig in.
Click read more for more information.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.6% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.