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Information for prospective and current tenants
Renting with Real Gold
A practical guide to finding a property, preparing your application, paying rent and bond, reporting maintenance and looking after your home.
- Clear application steps
- Practical tenancy guidance
- Direct maintenance contact
Getting started
How to rent a property with Real Gold
Follow these steps from your initial property search through to signing the tenancy agreement and receiving the keys.
Arrange a viewing
Contact Real Gold to ask questions and arrange a suitable viewing time before applying.
Submit your application
Complete the online tenancy application and provide the requested supporting information.
Confirm the tenancy
If your application is approved, complete the agreement, required payments and move-in arrangements.
Application checklist
Information that may support your application
Providing complete, readable and accurate information helps the application process run more efficiently. The information requested may vary depending on the property and your circumstances.
- Identification: suitable photo identification such as a passport or New Zealand driver licence.
- Current address: a recent statement or official letter showing your present residential address.
- Income or affordability evidence: recent payslips, bank statements or other suitable proof of regular income.
- Rental references: contact details for current or previous landlords where available.
- Emergency contact: details for a person who may be contacted in an emergency.
- Additional occupants: accurate details of everyone who intends to live at the property.
Moving in
Tenancy agreement, rent, bond and keys
Your tenancy is confirmed only after the required agreement and payment steps have been completed.
Tenancy agreement
Read the written agreement carefully, ask questions before signing and keep a copy for your records.
Rent in advance
Rent is normally paid weekly or fortnightly in advance. The exact amount and due date will be set out in your agreement.
General bond
A general bond may be charged up to the legal maximum of four weeks’ rent and is lodged with Tenancy Services.
Keys and access
Key collection arrangements will be confirmed before move-in. Do not change locks or security devices without written consent.
Initial inspection
Review the property condition record and promptly report any missing or inaccurate details.
Move-in preparation
Arrange utilities and contents insurance where required, and check what services or chattels are included.
During your tenancy
Important information for looking after your home
Your signed tenancy agreement and New Zealand tenancy law remain the controlling documents. The information below is a practical summary.
Pay rent on time
Pay rent by the due date shown in your agreement. Contact Real Gold promptly if you believe a payment has been missed or allocated incorrectly.
Keep the property tidy
Keep the premises reasonably clean and tidy and use the property primarily for residential purposes.
Report damage promptly
Tell the property manager as soon as possible about damage, leaks, safety concerns or repairs that are needed.
Lawns and gardens
Tenants usually handle routine mowing and weeding unless the tenancy agreement says the landlord will do so.
Utilities and outgoings
Pay the outgoings assigned to you in the agreement, such as electricity, gas, internet or metered water where applicable.
Contents insurance
Consider contents insurance that includes suitable tenant liability cover for your possessions and potential accidental damage.
Repairs and maintenance
Tell us about problems early
Reporting maintenance promptly can prevent a minor issue from becoming more serious and helps protect the property and the people living in it.
Send maintenance requests in writing
Email admin@realgold.co.nz with the property address, your contact details, a clear description of the issue and photographs where useful.
- For urgent danger, fire, gas leaks or immediate threats to safety, contact the appropriate emergency service first.
- Do not arrange non-emergency contractors or repairs without approval unless legally permitted in an urgent situation.
- Provide reasonable access after the correct notice or an agreed appointment has been arranged.
- Do not withhold rent because a repair is outstanding; contact the property manager or Tenancy Services for guidance.
Property inspections
Regular inspections and access
Inspections help identify maintenance needs and confirm the property is being kept in a reasonable condition.
What tenants can expect
- Reasonable written notice before a routine inspection.
- Inspections at lawful times and no more often than permitted.
- Respect for your reasonable peace, comfort and privacy.
- An opportunity to identify maintenance or property concerns.
How to prepare
- Keep the property reasonably clean and tidy.
- Ensure rooms and relevant property areas can be accessed.
- Secure pets safely where applicable.
- Prepare a list of repairs or issues you want to discuss.
Rent and bond
Payments, arrears and bond refunds
Rent must be paid according to the tenancy agreement. If you believe you will have difficulty paying on time, contact Real Gold as early as possible rather than waiting for the amount owing to increase.
- Rent: usually paid weekly or fortnightly in advance, according to the agreement.
- General bond: may be up to four weeks’ rent and is lodged with Tenancy Services.
- Rent arrears: unpaid rent is a breach of the tenancy agreement and may lead to formal notices or Tribunal action.
- Bond refund: generally addressed after the tenancy ends, keys are returned and any agreed deductions or disputes are resolved.
What should I do if a rent payment may be late?
Contact Real Gold immediately, explain the situation and confirm how and when payment will be made. Communication does not remove the obligation to pay, but early contact is better than allowing arrears to increase without explanation.
How much general bond can be charged?
The legal maximum for a general bond is four weeks’ rent. The exact amount for the property will be stated before the tenancy begins.
When is the bond refunded?
The refund process normally begins after the tenancy has ended, the property has been vacated, keys returned and the final condition and account position reviewed. Any disagreement can be addressed through the Tenancy Services process.
Can rent be withheld because repairs are needed?
No. Tenancy Services states that tenants cannot simply stop paying rent while waiting for repairs. Report the issue and use the proper tenancy process if it is not resolved.
Moving out
Prepare for the end of the tenancy
Follow the notice requirements for your tenancy type and allow enough time to clean, remove possessions and resolve outstanding matters.
Give correct notice
Use the correct written notice period and process for your tenancy. Check the agreement and current Tenancy Services guidance.
Leave the property tidy
Remove rubbish and personal belongings and leave the property reasonably clean and tidy.
Return all keys
Return all keys, remotes and other access devices as agreed with the property manager.
Final inspection
The final condition may be compared with the initial inspection record and any agreed changes during the tenancy.
Settle outstanding amounts
Ensure rent and any agreed tenant charges are paid and provide forwarding contact information.
Bond refund
Complete the applicable bond refund process once the tenancy account and property condition are finalised.
Official tenancy information
Helpful New Zealand resources
Tenancy law and government processes can change. Use official Tenancy Services information for current legal requirements.
Tenancy Services
Official information about rights, responsibilities, rent, bonds, inspections, maintenance and ending a tenancy.
Need to contact Real Gold?
Contact the team about a viewing, application, tenancy question, maintenance issue or upcoming move.
Ready for the next step?
Find a rental or submit your application
Review current listings first, then contact Real Gold to arrange a viewing or complete the application for a property that suits your needs.