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How do I apply for a Pensioner Unit?

You can download the Application Form and Information Booklet. They can also be posted, e-mailed out or picked up from any Service Centre. Please complete the Application form and return to the Council - contact details

Once I have applied what happens now; how long do I have to wait?

The length of time an applicant has to wait may vary. This depends on whether there is a vacancy in the preferred area and also on the Application Assessment.

If a vacancy arises, all applications for the area on the waiting list are assessed by the Property Manager for that area.

The applicant is notified of the vacancy and an interview is set up. If the Property Manager is satisfied with the interview, the applicant is offered the said Unit.

An inspection of the said Unit takes place and the offer is accepted. At this time a Tenancy Agreement is drawn up, noting any flaws in the appearance of the Unit. A Tenancy Start date is agreed upon, and the Tenancy Agreement is signed by both parties.

A Bond of 4 weeks Rental plus 2 weeks Rental in Advance must be received before the keys are handed over, a bond lodgement form must be signed by both parties as well.

What is my correct account balance?

Please contact us and ask for the Property Manager.

How much notice do I have to give before moving out?

As per the Tenancy Agreement, the Tenant must give three weeks’ written notice to the Landlord for intending to terminate the Tenancy.

What happens to my Bond?

The bond is receipted to an FNDC Bond holding account. This will be transferred to the Tenancy Services Bonds Centre. A letter of confirmation will be sent to both parties, notifying of the transfer.

If the tenant terminates the Tenancy, the Bond will only be refunded back if:
a. The unit is left in a satisfactory condition and;
b. The Tenants’ Debtor Account is clear and there are no arrears.

What does the Far North District Council provide?

For individual units, this is covered in the Tenancy Agreement. The Agreement will list any chattels that are in the Unit.

Accommodation

All flats have a kitchen with electric stove, and separate room containing shower and/or bath and toilet.

Double accommodation

All double flats offer a separate bedroom.

Heating

Heaters where fitted, are supplied by council. All heaters are wired into the power source.

Floor Coverings

Vinyl floor covering is provided in kitchen and bathroom, carpet in lounge and bedroom area.

Blinds and curtains

Blinds and curtains are to be provided by the incoming tenant, although in some instances they have already been installed and are available for use, or may be available for purchase from the outgoing tenant.

Lightbulbs and electric stove elements

All units are checked before new tenants move in. It is the tenant’s responsibility to replace light bulbs and stove elements that expire during occupancy.

Laundry facilities

Kaikohe flats have a shared laundry. Shared washing machines and dryers are available. Tokens for use of these facilities are available from the Far North District Council office in kaikohe.

Refrigerators

The council does not provide refrigerators. Incoming tenants are responsible for any purchases and maintenance of their own refrigerators.

Car parking

Car parking facilities are very limited and parking spaces are not reserved for any particular flat. Be considerate when using parking facilities. Tenants are to refrain from parking vehicles on the grassed areas.

Gardens and grounds

The lawns and grass edges of the grounds in each area are maintained by the council. Tenants are encouraged to maintain the pieces of garden in the immediate area of the flat.

Connection of power

It is the responsibility of the incoming tenant to ensure that a supply application is lodged with contact energy telephone 0800 809000 prior to moving into the flat.

Telephone

It is the responsibility of the tenant to pay for telephone connection and rental.

Television aerials

The council does not supply television aerials for individual tenants. Some flats have internal aerials and where this is so, they can be used. If tenant is installing an exterior aerial, the council must be advised.

Clotheslines

Please consider other users of the clotheslines. They are to be shared and not monopolised/ please consult with your neighbour as to ‘good’ times to use them.

Refuse disposal

Refuse disposal is the tenants responsibility – the council service centre staff will be able to advise when the collections are made in the different areas.

Tenants are allowed to keep one cat. (conditions apply)

For security reasons I wish to have a monitored security system installed, what do I do?

A request for any installations/alterations must be received by the Property Manager in writing. Include a list of details and a diagram of any works to be carried out. The tenant is responsible if the request is granted for any costs associated with the installation/alterations. The tenant, on termination of the Tenancy must remove all installations/alterations and return the Unit back to its original state at their own cost.

Please contact us and ask for the Property Manager.

I have received a 10 Working Day to Remedy letter, what do I do?

These are letters that are sent to Tenants that have missed a Rental payment. Please contact us and ask for the Property Manager to make an arrangement to remedy your account.

I have tried to get the Power connected but Contact Energy state they have no record of the Unit in their system, what do I do?

Please contact us and ask for the Property Manager. Contact Energy may not have the correct street address for the property and may have to use the previous tenants name.

I have tried to get the Power connected but Contact Energy state that I require a Code or Certificate of Compliance, what do I do?

Contact Energy requires a Code or Certificate of Compliance for a Unit if the Unit has been vacant for 6 months or more.

The Far North District Council is required to engage an Electrician to check power outlets etc and to issue this certificate. The certificate is usually stored in the main switchboard for Contact Energy’s contractor, Top Energy to sight.

I have the power connected now, what am I to expect from my first power account?

This should be directed at Contact Energy but the answer is:
Previous management of Pensioner Housing has negotiated with Contact Energy for a $100.00 Bond and a $90.00 reconnection fee to be charged on the first account sent to the new tenant. Also, power usage charges will appear on their first account.

Who do I see if I have a fault?

In the first instance please contact us at the Far North District Council. If the fault is non urgent we may have to program the work to be done. If the fault is urgent eg. Hot Water Cylinder overflowing, the Property Manager will engage a contractor.

Any contractors that are hired by the Tenant without the consent of the Property Manager are at the cost to the Tenant. We do not take any responsibility in making payment for any works done.

Can I take my pet with me?

Tenants are allowed to keep one cat and are subject to the following conditions:

1. A $50 pet bond be paid to Far North District Council;

2. The cat must be neutered or spayed;

3. The cat must wear a flea collar;

4. Any maintenance required to the unit which is caused by the cat is the responsibility of the tenant and will be deducted from the Tenancy Bond, if necessary.

5. In the event of the tenant becoming ill, the tenant shall make arrangements for the wellbeing of the cat.

Neighbourly Disputes

The Property Manager will not get involved in personal disputes with Neighbours. If there is concern for the safety of the other Tenants a complaint should be made in writing to the Property Manager.