Dear Ethel,
How can we get last year’s bond back? Our landlord from last year won’t answer any of our texts. So broke for Ori. Can’t wait for course related costs…
-Cut My Bonds
Dear Cut My Bonds,
It sounds like you’re all still together this year, which makes it a bit easier. The best way to get things moving is to send the bond form in yourselves, without bothering to get the landlord to sign it. So, print yourself off a new form, fill it out with the amount of bond you think you should be getting back, get all the flatties from last year to sign it and send to Tenancy Services (the address is on the form). Tenancy Services will then contact your landlord to see if they agree with the amount. If they do, sweet, you get your bond. If they don’t, the bond money is held in dispute. You can either negotiate a new agreed amount with the landlord -- which could be tricky if they’re ignoring you – or you can apply to Tenancy Tribunal to get the bond back that you think you’re owed. It costs $20.44 to put an application into Tribunal. If the outcome is in your favour, the other party usually has to reimburse that cost to you as well as whatever bond is determined you are owed. Our Student Support Advocates have loads of experience with this stuff and would be happy to help you out. They can help with getting hold of your landlord or going through the Tribunal process if that’s what you want to do. Feel free to drop us a line at help@ousa.org.nz or drop into 5 Ethel B. If you’re in need, you can also pick up a foodbank pack while you’re there. Wishing you a spectacular O Week!
xox
-Ethel