Having a pet
If you would like to have a pet you will need to get written approval from us and please discuss this with Assure Rentals as your first port of call. Your home and surroundings need to be suitable for a pet and you will need to take care of the pet, its registration and make sure it doesn’t annoy your neighbours. Please note that some of our properties are not suitable for pets.
Tenants should be aware that having a pet will require a two week pet bond to be paid (the pet bond is two weeks of the rent that you pay). Tenants will be responsible for the full cost of repairs to any damage caused by pets to the property. Animal types that are likely to be disruptive and aggressive may not be allowed.
Decorating and improvements
If you want to decorate or make improvements to your home you need to get written approval from Assure Rentals in writing in advance. This includes removing or installing any fixtures or fittings.
Please note you can’t start any work until you have got written approval.
Temporary accommodation/other people staying with you
If you have family members staying or other changes in your household, you must notify Assure Rentals within 14 days as you need to get written approval from us if you want to have other people living with you (other than occasional visitors). This includes the use of a caravan, mobile home or other portable accommodation at your home. You must also notify WINZ if you are an IRRS tenant. Contact Assure Rentals for more information.
Going Away
IRRS tenants must notify Assure Rentals in writing if you will be absent from your home for more than 8 weeks, e.g. if you are going into residential care or hospital.
Using your home for commercial purposes
Your home can’t be used for commercial purposes, for example for running a business.
Carpets
Remove any stains from your carpet immediately. If you are not able to do this or if the stain remains or there is any other damage to the carpet please contact Assure Rentals.
Pest control
We will make sure your home is free of pests before you start your tenancy. It’s important to do your best to make sure your home stays pest-free. If you have a pest problem, please contact Assure Rentals as soon as possible so we can help you sort this out.
The Housing New Zealand website has good tips on pest control.
Lost keys
Contact your Assure Rentals if you lose your keys. They will arrange a new set to be cut at your own cost.
Keeping your house dry and healthy
For a dry and healthy home follow these steps:
- Wipe any moisture or drips off your windows and walls
- Open windows in the mornings, while you shower or bathe, or while cooking
- Hang washing outside to dry, if you can. If you can’t, hang it in the garage with the door closed and the windows open
- Keep beds and furniture away from walls, so the air doesn’t get trapped
- Your home will be fitted with a heat pump for heating (and cooling) and possibly an HRV system for ventilation. If you are unsure about how to use these please contact Assure Rentals. They will also be able to give you some tips on how to use these in the most cost effective way
For more tips on keeping your home warm and dry go to the Housing New Zealand website.
Water leaks
Report water leaks from your taps, toilet or hot water system as soon as possible to Assure Rentals. If you think the leak is serious enough to need an emergency repair, please call Assure Rentals any time and leave a detailed message.
Smoke alarms
All our homes are fitted with smoke alarms with 10-year lifespans. It’s the law for all our homes to have fitted, working smoke alarms. If you think a smoke alarm in your home is not working, please call Assure Rentals immediately. Do not disconnect or remove smoke alarms.
Call Assure Rentals if:
- The red light stops blinking
- The detector makes an unusual noise or chirps.
If you set off the smoke detector by accident and there is no fire, open doors and windows to ventilate the home and the smoke detector will stop once the smoke has dispersed.
If there is a fire, call 111 immediately and evacuate your home.
Fire safety
Keep any furniture, clothes and curtains at least one metre away from heaters. Remember to turn off your electric blanket before getting into bed.
Don’t leave the room when cooking. If you do need to leave, turn off the stove first. Keep curtains, tea towels and any flammable items away from the stove when you’re cooking. Clean your stovetop after each use.
If there is a fire, call 111 immediately and evacuate your home.
Property damage
If your home gets damaged in any way, you need to tell Assure Rentals as soon as possible. If it happens on a weekend or a public holiday, you must tell Assure Rentals on the next business day unless the repair is urgent in which case please contact them on the 24 hour contact number and leave a detailed message.
Car parking
Cars, trailers and other vehicles must be parked on the concrete areas provided and not on lawns or gardens. Make sure you also keep access routes to your neighbours’ properties clear.
It’s important that you only use the parking bays that have been assigned to you and your visitors. In some cases visitors aren’t allowed to park on the property.
Keep your house secure
Keep doors and windows locked and secure when not in use and when you are out of your home.
If you are going away make the house look like someone’s home by leaving a radio or a light on. Ask a neighbour, relative or friend to clear your mail or ask New Zealand Post to hold it for you.
It’s also good to get to know the people in your neighbourhood and you could join a Neighbourhood Support group. To find out about joining or starting a group in your area, call Neighbourhood Support on 0800 463 444 or find out more on the Neighbourhood Support website.
