20 | PROPERTY RentSmart T T Kim Newth RentSmart targets lifestyle freedom for investors As New Zealand went into lockdown in 2020, RentSmart was just getting started as a vehicle for providing smarter property management in Hawke’s Bay. In Hawke’s Bay, RentSmart offers quality property management services, backed by experience and a commitment to keep property investments performing. Founded in 2020, RentSmart is now well-established in the local market with a hard working team managing more than $250 million of property. As New Zealand went into lockdown in 2020, RentSmart was just getting started as a vehicle for providing smarter property management in Hawke’s Bay. Father and son property investors Warren and Sam Murdoch teamed up with experienced local property managers Nikki Cheyne and Ruth Shannon to launch the business. “Ironically, the lockdown launch was great timing for us,” recalls Ruth. “Nikki and I had managed properties for Warren and Sam and were work colleagues in property management at a large real estate company. We all wanted to do property management better.” Their vision was to provide full property management to local property investors, offering better returns and fewer headaches. Nikki and Ruth were already well-respected by clients in Hawke’s Bay for their strong personal approach and their focus on doing the basics well, having fun and standing out via an engaging social media presence. At RentSmart, they lead a dedicated team providing lifestyle freedom for property investors through firm, fair and friendly property management. In the team are five full-time property managers and a part-time administrator, sharing a wealth of knowledge and more than 50 years’ combined experience. Staff enjoy flexible work arrangements, while remaining in close communication with each other. Each property manager has their own portfolio, but the culture is collaborative and supportive. Fundamentally, RentSmart are property matchmakers, with advantages for tenants and property owners in that service being done well. “We try to find the best tenant for each house at the best price ensuring our client’s investment is being maximised and the journey for them is enjoyable,” says Ruth. “We review rents regularly and minimise downtime between tenants. We suggest maintenance and improvements along the way so that their investments stay in good shape.” RentSmart has built trusted relationships with local tradespeople, ensuring any work required is done promptly and well, at reasonable rates, and with tenants treated respectfully. With RentSmart, tenants know they have a professional, friendly property manager, who will do things the right way. RentSmart has also been educating owners on Healthy Home Standards for the last five years leading up to the standards coming into effect this year. “Our owners are probably tired of hearing us go on about it, but we’re proud of the effort made to get everything ticked off.” A big plus for property owners with RentSmart is the thorough tenant checking process, giving confidence that the right recommendations are being made. Many of their working relationships with clients are long-standing, built on trust – “they can travel around the world knowing we have things under control here.” RentSmart has come a long way since 2020 and is now proudly giving back to their community, spreading the love to multiple organisations via monthly $500 donations, with clients getting to nominate and vote on what’s close to their heart. Meanwhile, Ruth notes the local market has slowed down this year compared to 2024, with rents starting to plateau now there are more housing options available. Affordable and reliable carpet cleaners. Carpet and upholstery cleaners in Hawkes Bay. Speak to the cleaner, not the machine. 0274482267 supremecarpetcleanershb@gmail.com supremecarpetcleaners.com directelectrical.co.nz | office@directelectrical.co.nz | 06 8769 543 “We try to find the best tenant for each house at the best price ensuring our client’s investment is being maximised and the journey for them is enjoyable.”
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