03/09/2026
The bond dispute started on move-in day. Nobody noticed.
A mark on the carpet. A chip in the benchtop. A door that never quite closed.
All of it was there before you arrived, and none of it was photographed.
Twelve months later that becomes a conversation you cannot win. Ask your property manager for the move-in photos, check they cover any existing damage, and keep your own copies.
Read the tenancy agreement properly while you are at it, especially the clauses on rent, maintenance responsibilities, guests and pets.
Then report small problems early and keep a record of what you sent. A dripping tap reported this week is a repair. The same tap reported next year is a discussion about damage.
More tenant tips on our website.
https://www.centralproperty.nz/post?post_id=16177