Welcome to the June 2020 Tenant Quarterly Newsletter
In this edition:
Alert Level 1 Update
Although we are now at Alert Level 1, everyone stills need to be vigilant. All restrictions for property management around moving, property viewings, maintenance, and inspections have lifted however we will still be ensuring we stick to distancing and following basic hygiene measures.
For more information about COVID-19 for tenants and landlords, visit the Tenancy Services website here.
Do You Grow Your Own Vegetables?
Over the lockdown we had a few tenants that took advantage of the great weather and sorted out any neglected vegetable gardens. If you don’t already have a vegetable garden at your property, there are a range of cost effective removable garden beds that you can buy from your local hardware store. It’s a great activity to flex those green thumbs and there is nothing better than eating home grown fresh produce.
Good things to plant at this time of year include Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Spring Onion, Spinach and Kale, check out the blog about Winter gardens on Palmer’s website for more information and tips on how to grow your own veges.
If you are thinking of adding a vegetable garden please contact your Property Manager to get your landlord’s approval first– Don’t turn lawn into a garden!
Waiheke and Rural Property Water Usage
Did you know that in New Zealand the average person can use over 200 litres per day! Households on tank water, such as those in rural areas or on Waiheke Island, rely on rainwater collection so its important to be conscious of the amount of water being used.
Please remember: It takes quite a bit of rain to sufficiently fill up a tank for water, a hour of rain is not nearly enough to replenish water tanks and the gradient of the rain and roof size plays a part in filling water tanks too.
Do You Have High Water Usage? Check For Leaks
If you have an unusually high water bill then you may have a leak. You can do your own leak test by following the instructions below:
- Choose a time when water won’t be used for 2 plus hours e.g overnight. You won’t’ be able to use any water during this time, no flushing, using the taps, dishwasher or washing machine etc.
- Before the 2 hours starts, read your water meter and note down the numbers (water meters are just outside your property in the ground).
- Read your numbers again after the test period. If the numbers are different, it’s highly likely you have a water leak.
Check the property for the location of the water leak e.g. leaking water main, tap, toilet or hot water cylinder, and advise your Property Manager if you have a water leak as soon as possible.
Click here to visit the Watercare website for more information.
For queries, contact Auckland Council (Watercare) on 09 442 2222
Inorganic Collections Open
Great news – Inorganic Collections are open again for 2020 after being delayed due to COVID-19. If you would like goods collected from your property (such as small/large appliances, furniture, sporting items etc.) then book your time now. If you already had one booked in, due to COVID-19 you will need to re-book it.
Click here to book your Inorganic Collection.
Click here to learn more about Inorganic Collections and what you can and cannot put out.
Calling Time on Cheques
With the decline in cheque usage and digital payments increasing, many companies and organisations (Inland Revenue, ACC, Kiwibank, and Vodafone to name a few), are now or will soon be declining cheques as payment.
From 1 April 2021 we will no longer be accepting cheques as a form of payment, however there are a range of safe and secure payment methods to choose from.
If you have any topics you would like discussed in any upcoming Tenant Quarterly Newsletters, feel free to send your suggestions to Lana on [email protected]
