Here’s a challenge. Take off your landlord hat for a moment and step inside your rental property as if you were seeing it for the first time - and deciding whether to call it home.
Does the rent feel fair for what’s on offer? Is the house warm, dry and easy to live in? Is there enough storage? Is everything secure and well maintained? These are basic questions, but they get to the heart of what tenants are looking for.
Recent New Zealand research shows that cost and location lead the decision when choosing a rental, followed by the quality of the property*. Tenants are not necessarily looking for the flashiest home. They want one that is fairly priced, well located and clearly cared for.
Now imagine you’ve ticked those boxes. You have the keys and you’ve moved in. What would make you want to stay?
You’d want your peace and privacy respected, with routine inspections arranged considerately and handled professionally. If an issue came up, you’d expect a prompt response and clear communication around progress. You’d also want the security that comes with mutual trust: you look after the property as your own, and keep your side of the agreement, knowing the landlord and/or property manager will keep theirs.
This is where the day-to-day management really counts. Our property managers sit at the centre of that relationship, making sure both sides know what’s going on. Tenants have a reliable point of contact, while landlords stay informed without having to manage every detail themselves.
Over time, that consistency builds a track record. When good tenants feel settled and fairly treated, they have fewer reasons to leave. For landlords, that can mean fewer vacant weeks, less spent re-letting and less disruption. It also means keeping a tenant you know rather than starting again with someone new.
Would your rental pass your own test? Talk to your Barfoot & Thompson property manager or local team. We can advise on what tenants are likely to notice, anything that may need attention and how to give good tenants every reason to stay.
*Source: HUD Renters Pulse Survey – October 2025
Have questions? Get in touch with your local Barfoot & Thompson branch, or talk to your dedicated property manager today.
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