FAQs

We aim to keep our rent affordable. Typically rent is set at 30% of the gross income that we expect a superannuitant will receive from WINZ.

You will be asked to set up a WINZ redirection order if you are offered a unit.

Your rent will be reviewed every year. If the NZ pension increases, so will your rent.

You will need to provide two written references. We may also complete other checks with your permission, i.e., verbal references, credit ratings etc.

How long it takes to get a unit depends on a range of things. There is usually a waiting list and placement is determined on a needs-basis, rather than on a first-in-first-served basis.

Currently, the trust only has one bedroom units.

Our units were designed to accommodate people living on their own.

If, after signing the tenancy agreement, you enter into a long-term relationship and wish to share your unit with a partner or spouse, you must make a formal request. The new applicant must also meet MCT eligibility criteria.

Manawatū Community Trust has insurance cover on the building but it is your responsibility to have insurance to cover your personal effects and liability.

If you are responsible for damage caused deliberately, or as a result of neglect, then you will be required to pay for repair of that damage.

Unfortunately, many MCT units do not have off-street parking and parking spaces may be limited. MCT does not allocate specific car parks to specific units and doesn’t support the right to car parking based on custom-and-practice. Instead, tenants are expected to be considerate of each other, and of people living in their wider neighbourhood. As needs and circumstances change, so too should parking, to ensure convenience and safety for all MCT tenants. 

Some units have a driveway directly beside them. These are generally for that tenant’s use, but if they are not being used they may not be reserved for visitors, instead MCT may recommend them to another tenant or use them for short-term staff or contractor parking.

Visitors and caregivers should normally park outside the complex on the roadside. Short-term exceptions are made for people with mobility needs or when loading or unloading items.

Unfortunately, car parking is limited. If your household has more than one vehicle the second vehicle may need to be parked outside of the complex. There are some vehicles that are not suitable to be parked within our complexes or in our car parks, including:

·         Recreational vehicles such as campervans, caravans, boats, trailers, etc.

·         Unregistered or non-operational vehicles

·         Mobility scooters (these should be stored in your section or a designated storage area)

·         Vehicles belonging to friends or family for long-term or permanent parking

Health and safety reminders:

·         You are responsible for insuring your vehicle and making sure it remains roadworthy

·         Keep access lanes, driveways, and footpaths clear at all times

·         Do not park on lawns or gardens

·         Report any hazards or lighting issues to MCT

·         Make sure your visitors follow our parking guidelines

All our units are single bedroom units. Unless otherwise stated in your tenancy agreement, only you may live at the premises.

You may have a friend or family member stay overnight or for a short holiday.

You are responsible for any visitors you welcome into your unit.

Pets may be considered on a case-by-case basis. One cat or dog may be allowed if the pet is neutered. Other considerations include size, breed, behaviour, unit suitability, adherence to Council bylaws, and consideration of neighbours. If you get a pet without permission you may not be allowed to keep it. Changes to the legislation for keeping pets, including pet bonds and tenant liability for damage is being progressed. If you would like a pet or have any concerns about pets in your neighbourhood please contact our office.

Our complexes are not retirement villages. Our tenancy agreements are the same as that of private landlords.

For example:

You will arrange and pay for the suppy of utilities, e.g. power, telephone and Wi-Fi.

You will care of your lawns and gardens, or will arrange someone to do it for you.

We don’t provide health or social services and or provide mediation between neighbours.

However, we do care about your wellbeing and may be able to assist you in accessing the above services.

• Replace or repair any items damaged by you or your visitors.

• Replace lost keys.

• Keep your unit clean and free of mould.

• Replace lightbulbs.

• Regularly dispose of rubbish.

• Lawn and garden care.

• You may do small repairs like tightening screws and changing light bulbs. You do not need to call us about these jobs unless you cannot do them yourself or you don’t have the right tools.

Below are examples of urgent repairs:

• Fire/Flood/Disaster

• Gas leak

• Burst water pipe

• Electrical sparks or shocks

• Broken windows

• Blocked or broken toilet

• Lack of hot water or no water

If urgent repairs are required, please call 06 324 0491 (24 hours). If your call is outside normal business hours (9am to 3pm), you will be directed to our after-hours service, who will action emergency repairs on your behalf.

If you want to make minor changes inside or around your unit, you should contact us before you make any changes. We are happy to consider your request but we need to agree in writing first.

The tenancy agreement that you have with MCT is linked specifically to the unit that you live in. Requests to move units will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be approved if a more suitable vacancy is available and if there are genuine benefits to the tenant and/or the neighbourhood.

You need to give at least 21 days’ written notice to end your tenancy.

If there are multiple tenants named on your tenancy agreement, and one of the tenants gives the landlord written notice, this ends the periodic tenancy for all tenants.

If you are experiencing family violence while you are a tenant you can withdraw from the tenancy by giving at least 2 days’ written notice in the approved form (with qualifying evidence of family violence) without financial penalty or the need for agreement from the landlord.