Hunting for the perfect home can be time consuming and stressful. But it doesn’t have to be. By understanding what’s involved, you’ll know what to expect and how to prepare, so you’ll avoid the typical rental pitfalls – and the resultant headaches.
Following is a list of hints and tips, designed to help you do just that. If you need any extra advice, please feel free to contact your Savills Property Manager  for assistance.

• Inspecting a property – Property inspections are generally scheduled for set times during the week. To attend one, simply call the listed Savills Property Manager, and they’ll meet you at the property at the designated time. Remember that in the current market, rentals are in high demand, so if you happen to find the perfect one, be sure to act fast. 
• Applying for a property – Having found the place you want, your first step is to complete a tenancy application form. Everyone who will be living there (except dependants) needs to fill it out. You’ll also need proof of identity, proof of income and evidence of a good rental history or proof of home ownership if applicable.
• Deposits & bonds – To process your application, we require a holding deposit – usually one week’s rent. If your application is unsuccessful, we’ll refund your deposit (unless you provided false or misleading information in your application). If, on the other hand, your application is successful, your holding deposit will be put toward your first week’s rent. This bond – usually four weeks’ rent – is held by the Residential Tenancies Authority. It’s a good idea to have your deposit and bond payments ready at the time of your application, so there are no unnecessary delays.
• Lease period – The minimum term for most leases is six months. But this is sometimes negotiable – depending mostly on your rental history and the lessor’s requirements. In the current market, many tenants are keen to sign up for a longer term – sometimes up to two years. This can actually be a valuable bargaining tool, because lessors almost always prefer secure tenures.
• Signing up – Committing to a lease involves quite a bit of paperwork. So be sure to call us if you need help with any of it; we can explain it in as much detail as you like. You’ll also be given a property condition report, so that you can comment on the state of your new home. You’ll need to return it to us within the defined time period, so be sure to confirm this period with your Savills Property Manager.  
• Maintenance – If ever the property requires maintenance, you’ll need to send us a Maintenance request form. (You may, in fact, already have a copy of the form, as we supply it to all tenants on signup. You can also get a copy at your local Savills office.) If the repair is an emergency, feel free to call your Savills Property Manager directly.
• Inspections – Every three months, we conduct an inspection of the property, so that we can report on its condition. We’ll let you know when we’re inspecting, well in advance.

Got Questions ? Call your local Savills Property Manager now.