First Hand Property Management

Long weekends in property management are a little different…

While everyone else is planning BBQs, beach trips, and sleep-ins, property managers are quietly hoping:
✔ no hot water cylinders burst
✔ no smoke alarms start chirping
✔ and no one accidentally locks themselves out 😅

But in all seriousness, this is one of the things we love about what we do.

Good property management means being there when people need help - even when it’s inconvenient.

Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing long weekend from the team at Firsthand Property Management.

What is one of the biggest mistakes landlords are making right now?
Trying to push rent too high in a softer market.
On paper, an extra $20–$30 per week sounds like the right move.
But in reality, that can easily cost:
• 2–3 weeks of vacancy
• Fewer quality applicants
• Longer-term instability
We’re currently advising many of our clients to take a more strategic approach - slightly below the “top of market” to secure strong tenants quickly and reduce risk.
Because a well-tenanted property at a fair rent will almost always outperform a vacant one chasing a premium.
It’s not about achieving the highest rent.
It’s about achieving the best outcome.

Apologies to any tenants that have been waiting for bond refunds. We always send them to Tenancy Services as soon as a tenancy ends (once we have discussed any deductions with our tenants). Unfortunately the new bond system is causing delays that can be up to 6 weeks! Let’s hope they sort it all out asap 🤞🤞🤞

Reports of tenants ‘in tears’, waiting ‘close to two months’ for bond returns Tenancy Bond Services apologises as some tenants wait weeks - in one case nearly two months - to get rental bonds, often worth thousands, back.

The temperatures have started ramping up in Auckland - see some ideas here for keeping your house cool

How can I cool down my house in summer? Explainer - If you're starting to swelter as temperatures around the country rise, you might be wondering how best to cool your house.