2200 days ago

About to go flatting? ๐Ÿ ๐Ÿก๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿš๐Ÿข

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. Itโ€™s a good idea to make sure you go into things prepared and know your rights.

Here are a few essentials:

โ€ข You should have a written tenancy agreement. Read it, so you know what youโ€™re in for, preferably before you sign up for the flat.

โ€ข 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 youโ€™re trying to get your bond back.

โ€ข 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, itโ€™s the market that decides whatโ€™s reasonable. Itโ€™s unlawful for you to be charged a letting fee.

โ€ข If there are a few of you in the flat, make sure that anyone whoโ€™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.

More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Derelict Tokanui Hospital site in line for a clean-up

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Derelict Tokanui Hospital buildings will be demolished and contaminated land cleaned up so the site can be offered back to iwi.

The former psychiatric hospital, southeast of Te Awamutu, sits on land taken from Ngฤti Maniapoto under the Public Works Act in 1910.

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1 day ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, thereโ€™s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need ๐Ÿช™๐Ÿ’ฐ๐Ÿช™

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship โ€” like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 59.5% Yes, supporting people is important!
    59.5% Complete
  • 24.6% No, individuals should take responsibility
    24.6% Complete
  • 15.9% ... It is complicated
    15.9% Complete
472 votes
3 days ago

A Neighbourly Riddle! Donโ€™t Overthink Itโ€ฆ Or Do?๐Ÿ˜œ

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?

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