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.

Most landlords don’t change property managers until something goes wrong. The truth is, good property management is quiet. It’s proactive, consistent, and detail-focused - so problems don’t arise in the first place.

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.

OK, this is not related to property management but wanted to celebrate this legend! 🤩

A huge congratulations on his 100th Birthday. The one and only Sir David Attenborough ❤️

SORRY, RENTED. Freshly renovated to a high standard throughout, located opposite St Lukes Mall. This gorgeous apartment offers 2 big bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (one ensuite), 1 car park. $650/week. Please reach out to arrange a viewing 😊

GE/28 Morning Star Place, Mount Albert, Auckland City, Auckland AVAILABLE FROM 12th MAY, 12 MONTH FIXED TERM TO START VIEWINGS Please text or email agent, with a brief introduction, to arrange viewing, or request one via...

Working from home in a rental property?

Most homes are designed for typical household use, not running complex office setups. Plugging too many devices into the same circuit, particularly alongside other high-powered appliances, can overload the system.

Here is our advice to tenants regarding electrical safety:

Tips to Avoid Overloading Circuits
1. Be mindful of multi-plug use

- Avoid plugging multiple high-use devices into one multi-plug box.

- Do not connect multi-plug boards into the same socket and especially do not connect them into other multi-plug boards (“daisy chaining”).

- Spread devices across different wall or room outlets where possible.

2. Balance power usage throughout the home

- Try not to run several high-power appliances at the same time on the same circuit, such as heaters or heat pumps, washing machines and dryers, dishwashers

For example: avoid running a heater, dryer, and multiple computer setups all at once. If you must plug several of these appliances into the same circuit, try to avoid using them all simultaneously (e.g. run the washing machine after you finish using your office appliances if on the same circuit).

3. Stagger usage during the day, especially if multiple occupants are working from home:

- Spread the use of office set ups away from other high electrical consuming appliances, such as heaters, kettles, microwaves, etc.

- Avoid peak “all-on-at-once” times if you cannot spread out set ups.

4. Watch for warning signs

- Power cutting out or circuits tripping frequently,

- Lights flickering or dimming, and/or

- Power points or plugs feeling hot.

These may indicate the system is under strain or has a faulty appliance connected.


5. Use appropriate equipment

- Use good-quality, surge-protected power boards.

- Don't use damaged cords or plugs or faulty appliances.

- Ensure larger appliances are plugged directly into wall sockets where possible.

Q: Do I really need a property manager - or can I do it myself?

A: You can absolutely manage your own investment property - in fact many landlords start by self-managing however demands on time, stress levels, and navigating compliance can add up quickly.

One missed issue can cost more than 12+ months of management fees.

The real value in using a professional property manager is the peace of mind you gain.

Message us if you’re weighing up your options, and we can talk you through.

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.

SORRY NO LONGER AVAILABLE $585/week. Quiet and cosy 2 bed with garage in One Tree Hill. A short walk to Cornwall Park and handy to Royal Oak shops. If you have friends or family looking for a new home please share.

2/98 Namata Road, One Tree Hill, Auckland City, Auckland To request a viewing please text or email the agent along with info about how many people in your group and when you want to move, or copy and paste the followi...