Starting a Tenancy

A little preparation helps your move into a Ray White Invercargill rental go smoothly. Your property manager can explain the agreement, initial payments and key collection. At move-in, a careful condition report gives you a clear record of the home from the start.

What should I confirm before signing the tenancy agreement?

Check the property address, the named parties, whether the tenancy is periodic or fixed-term, the start date, rent, payment instructions, bond and any included chattels. Read the required statements and any additional conditions. Ask about unfamiliar wording before you sign, and keep the signed agreement where you can find it. Tenancy Services explains tenancy agreements and the information they need to contain.

Discuss the practical fit for your household too: parking, storage, outdoor areas, access, pets and any services mentioned in the listing. If something is important to your decision, confirm it rather than relying on a verbal assumption. An application or viewing does not by itself establish a tenancy or guarantee approval.

How do I organise the first payments and utilities?

Use the verified payment instructions supplied through your tenancy process. If bank details unexpectedly change, confirm them with your property manager using an established phone number before paying. Keep receipts and the bond information. Ask which utilities you need to arrange, whether there are property-specific connection requirements and who is responsible for each bill under the agreement and current rules.

Plan your move for the confirmed possession date and key collection arrangements. Check how many keys or access devices are supplied, and who to contact if collection plans change.

What should I record at the initial inspection?

Work through the condition report room by room. Note existing marks, damage, cleanliness, appliances, fittings and the items supplied with the home. Take dated photographs where useful and raise anything missing or inaccurate with your property manager promptly. Keep your own copy. The official initial-inspection guidance explains how the report and photographs help record the starting condition.

• Check windows, doors, locks, floor coverings and visible fittings.
• Record existing stains, chips, cracks or damage clearly.
• Confirm operating instructions for supplied heating and appliances.
• Ask where relevant controls are located, including the water shut-off, when appropriate.
• Confirm rubbish collection and any shared access or outdoor responsibilities.

Report anything unsafe or not working to your manager. Electrical, plumbing and other specialist faults need an appropriately qualified person.

Who do I contact during the tenancy?

Save your property manager’s contact details and the maintenance-reporting route before you need them. Use Repairs and Maintenance to report a fault; urgent problems need prompt direct contact. Keep written records of important messages and tell the team if your contact details change.

For an Invercargill rental, heating, ventilation and moisture questions are worth clarifying at move-in rather than waiting for a problem. Ask how the supplied systems should be used and maintained, and report leaks or faults. Current responsibilities are explained by Tenancy Services’ heating and ventilation guidance.

Get help with your move

Read our Tenant Information Guide for a reference throughout the tenancy. For your particular property, contact your manager through the Invercargill property management team, email rentals.invercargill.nz@raywhite.com or call 03 218 6117. Include the address and what you need confirmed. Use the approved application process for identity or application documents rather than a general enquiry form.