Is it a good idea to purchase a tenanted property? Does it create more or less stress for the investor? Here’s our advice on whether tenanted properties are a good investment in Wellington.
The Benefits
Instant Cash Flow
It’s a good at the bank when your investment already has an income.
Continuing the current tenancy shows you have instant means to begin paying off the mortgage, and have zero risk of losing weeks in rent while you advertise the property. Success from the get go is what the bank likes to see.
The Risks
Inheriting Bad Tenants
In our experience most tenants are considerate, reliable, and look after the property well. But because you haven’t reference checked and chosen the tenants yourself you do risk inheriting bad tenants from the previous landlord, which is something to keep in mind before purchasing the property.
Relevant Laws to Consider
When Informing the Tenant
Once you’ve taken possession of the property, you need to tell the tenant the name of the landlord (either yourself or your chosen Property Manager), plus contact details, and how the tenant will pay rent from now on.
In Regards to Bond
When the property is sold, the original landlord’s interest in the bond will pass to the new landlord. The original landlord can’t claim any bond after the settlement date. If the bond is held by the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment, both the original and new landlord must fill in a change of landlord/agent form.
When Ending the Lease After Purchasing the Property
If you’ve agreed to purchase a tenanted property and the current tenant is under a fixed term lease, the lease must continue until the end-date stated in the tenancy. You can’t give notice to end the fixed term tenancy early.
However if the tenancy is under a periodic agreement, then you can provide at least 90 days’ written notice to end the tenancy.
When Changing Property Managers
New owners have the right to change Property Managers if they wish, but the tenant must be informed and lease update with these details.
When Increasing Rent
As the new owner, you are entitled to raise the rent, provided the increase is not within 180 days of the last increase, and you give the tenant 60 days written notice.
When Increasing Bond
When increasing the rent, the landlord may ask the tenant to pay extra bond money if rent has increased since the tenancy was signed.
For example, if the rent goes up by $10 per week, and the tenant paid 3 weeks’ rent as bond money, the landlord can ask for an extra $30 to be added to the bond. Extra bond money needs to be lodged with the rest of the bond by completing a bond lodgement form.
Final Thoughts
Tenanted properties can be a great investment, especially if you’re just starting out in property investing and don’t want to be overwhelmed with tenant applications and selection.
Getting an instant income and guaranteed rent until the end of the fixed term tenancy gets the investment off to a good start, and helps it on its way to becoming a successful investment property. Knowing you have a good Wellington Property Manager will help make the process smoother for yourself and your tenants. Read on to Find out why Investors are increasingly using Property Management in Wellington.
If you're considering Property Management get in touch with us today. Locally owned and managed, we offer residential property management services across the entire Wellington & Hutt Valley region.
We take care of investments, offering peace of mind and a personal service to investors and tenants alike. Our solutions are backed by industry-leading technology and proven systems that promote both excellent property care and strong investment returns. Taking on all aspects of the landlord’s role, we guide our clients with professional, tailored advice using our extensive experience and insight in the rental market that can only be built over time.
If you would like to chat about the possibility of working together, or to receive a no-obligation, FREE Rental Appraisal get in touch with our team today.
Quinovic Johnsonville | Wellington
Call Jordan Atkinson - 027 297 0873
Quinovic Hutt Valley | Wellington
Call Helen Vance - 027 487 8103
Quinovic Kent Terrace | Wellington
Call Jordan Atkinson - 027 297 0873
Quinovic Wellington Property Managers