How does the application process work?
After viewing the property, you can apply for the tenancy through our website. This allows you to include reference details, identification, and other supporting documents.
Your application will be processed within 24 to 48 hours. If successful, congratulations! You will receive a letter of offer and be asked to pay a deposit to secure the property. Once the offer is accepted and the deposit is paid, a legal tenancy agreement will be drafted. Both parties will sign the agreement, and once finalised, a copy will be sent to you.
How much will we need to pay once accepted?
Generally, the deposit will be two weeks’ rent, plus a bond of four weeks’ rent. Deposits are due within one day (24 hours) to secure the property promptly. This allows us to inform other applicants if the property is no longer available.
What length of tenancy should I expect to sign up for?
This will be detailed in your letter of offer.
Can I break a fixed-term tenancy?
Fixed-term tenancies are a legal agreement between you and the owner for a specific length of time and cannot be ended simply by giving notice. This applies to both parties.
If you need to break a fixed-term tenancy, we will consult with the owners to see how we can assist you. Since 2005, we have been facilitating early termination of fixed-term tenancies for tenants. If the owner agrees to terminate the tenancy early, you would be responsible for covering the rent until a new tenancy starts, as well as the owner’s advertising costs and letting fee.
Group, couple, or family tenancies
If you are part of a group, couple, or family, and your name is stated as the head tenant on the contract, you are liable for the contract. This means you are responsible for all costs related to the tenancy if another named occupant of the property is unable to meet your tenancy commitments.
What should you do in an emergency or for maintenance requests?
Our regular office hours are 9 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday. After hours, on weekends, and public holidays, we are unavailable but on call for emergencies only. If an emergency occurs, please call 027 205 6914 (texts will not be answered after hours).
For non-urgent repairs, please use TAPI, our online maintenance request service, which you can access on our website under ‘Maintenance Request‘. Please also email rentals.swanson@raywhite.com We will contact you as soon as possible to discuss the issue and arrange the necessary repairs.
What constitutes an emergency?
Here are examples of emergencies and how to handle them:
What is NOT an emergency?
Issues that can be addressed during normal business hours are not considered emergencies unless they are life-threatening or causing immediate damage. Examples include:
Helpful tip: Including photos with your maintenance request can speed up the process. If possible, take clear photos showing the damage, make, or model and submit them through TAPI.
What happens if a repair is required after hours or on weekends?
We have clear policies regarding emergency repairs, which are communicated to all tenants at the beginning of their tenancy and are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act. Tenants are provided with after-hours contact details for emergencies. We will exercise fair judgement when addressing such issues to ensure we meet our obligations to tenants while respecting your wishes.
How often will you inspect our property?
We will inspect every 13 weeks. We will email you at least 48 hours in advance, so there are no surprises. Under the law, property owners are not permitted to conduct inspections more frequently than once every four weeks.
Are we allowed pets?
You should always inquire about pets before applying for a tenancy. You are not allowed to introduce a pet into your tenancy without prior approval.