Ngā Kaitiaki Rawa i Nelson

What Nelson property management actually costs

Nelson rents typically run $430-520/week. At 8-10% management that is $34-52/week, around $1,770-2,700 a year. Add letting fees (1-2 weeks rent, $430-1,040 per new tenant), inspection fees, and maintenance markups. Nelson's tight rental supply means vacancy periods are short, which is one genuine advantage of the local market. But management costs still add up: $2,800-4,000 a year per property is typical once all fees are included.

Five questions to ask before you sign

1. How many Nelson properties do you manage, and how many managers do you have? Nelson is a smaller market. Ask for real portfolio numbers and manager-to-property ratios.
2. How do you handle Healthy Homes compliance? All rental properties must meet Healthy Homes standards. Ask what documentation they maintain and what they do when a property falls short.
3. What are your letting fees? With low vacancy rates, letting fees might not seem critical - but you will pay them every time a tenant changes. Get the exact figure in writing.
4. Do you add a markup to maintenance invoices? Ask directly. If yes, ask what percentage and request prior approval on jobs over $300.
5. What is the exit notice period? 30-90 days is typical. Check for any minimum initial term before you sign.

How to switch property managers in Nelson

Serve written notice as required by your management agreement. Notify the tenant in writing of new contact details and where to pay rent (s.47 RTA). Bond stays at Tenancy Services. Request the full tenant file from the outgoing manager including all inspection reports and the maintenance history.

Manage your Nelson rental yourself

RentManager NZ gives Nelson landlords everything needed to self-manage: rent tracking via open banking, bond lodgement, Healthy Homes compliance tracking, inspection scheduling, and Tenancy Tribunal forms. From $9/month. No percentage fees, no letting fees, no markups.

Start managing your Nelson rental yourself →