REINZ launches FlexiSign
REINZ yesterday launched FlexiSign, a new online signing platform that lets you create an agreement, negotiate the particulars with the vendor and the purchaser, and sign all in one place.
Find out more at FlexiSign.co.nz or sign-up in the REINZ eForms portal.
Applications now open for REINZ Head of Property Management Position
Location: Auckland
Applications are sought from suitably experienced property managers for the role of Head of Property Management at REINZ. This newly established position offers an exciting opportunity to join REINZ and take a lead role in further developing REINZ’s offering for the property management industry. The Head of Property Management will work across all teams within REINZ, providing specialist residential property management advice and expertise. Acting as the liaison between the property management industry and REINZ, the Head of Property Management will assist REINZ to execute and deliver its strategic objectives for property management. As this is a senior role, we seek applications from candidates with:
- Proven, relevant residential property management experience;
- A thorough understanding of relevant legislation;
- Experience developing and delivering compliance and training material;
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal;
- Business development experience;
- Operations and/or project management experience.
Please forward applications (including a CV and covering letter) to Lisa Gerrard. Applications close 28 November 2018.
For enquiries, please contact Lisa Gerrard, CLO/ GM Membership and Advocacy, 021975630.
Case Update: Tenancy Tribunal awards damages for failing to follow up complaint
Facts: The Tenants’ claim related to a deck which the Tenants said was unsafe. They said that the Landlord had breached its obligations under section 45 of the Residential Tenancies Act by failing to provide and maintain the premises in a reasonable state of repair. The Tenants had raised an issue as to the safety of the deck. The Landlord had agreed to get the deck inspected but failed to do so. Around the same time, the parties entered into negotiations and agreed that because of the condition of the deck the rent of $570 per week would be reduced by $50 per week. The Tenants now claimed half of the rent paid after the issue was first raised, totalling $25,000. The Landlord responded by saying that the Tenants had already been compensated by way of the $50 weekly discount for 78 weeks. The Landlord said that the terms of this agreement were such that the discount would remain until the Landlord could afford to replace the deck.
Decision: The Tenants were required to prove their claim that the deck was unsafe on the balance of probabilities. They had only provided photographic evidence. Based on these photographs, there was no way to assess the structural integrity of the deck. The Tribunal simply noted that there appeared to be signs of rotting. In the circumstances, the Tribunal was not prepared to offer additional compensatory damages. However, breaching obligations under section 45 of the Residential Tenancies Act is an unlawful act potentially giving rise to exemplary damages of up to $4,000. The Tribunal could not overlook the Landlord’s failure to conduct even a rudimentary investigation into the soundness of the deck. The Landlord’s financial constraints and the likely cost of repairs could not be allowed to override the Tenants’ safety. In this case a $1,000 award was appropriate. This took into account that the Landlord genuinely believed it had entered into a settlement agreement to delay replacing the deck.
Disclaimer: The information in these case summaries is for general informational purposes only and may only discuss some, not all, aspects of a case. It does not constitute legal or other professional advice and does not replace your company’s internal policies and guidelines. Always check your company’s guidelines, policies and information first and seek legal advice if you have any queries.
REINZ and Real-iQ deliver the NZ Certificate in Residential Property Management
Lift your professionalism and standards and prepare yourself now for potential industry regulation.
Click here for more information.
Property Management Induction Bootcamp Auckland
Tuesday 27 November
Aimed at entry level Property Managers. Facilitated by Real-iQ, REINZ Members can get 15% off when using the promo code REINZPMI
AML: REINZ Meeting with Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) and Ministry of Justice (MOJ)
REINZ is increasingly concerned about the application of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 (AML Act) and related regulations to real estate agents. Accordingly, REINZ has requested an urgent meeting between senior policy officials at the Department of Internal Affairs and Ministry of Justice. The reason for convening the meeting is that REINZ considers that the proposed application to real estate agents as indicated by DIA’s AML/CFT guideline for real estate agents and certain provisions of the Regulations will have unanticipated and unduly onerous implications for real estate agents. REINZ will be meeting with DIA and MOJ next Tuesday to discuss the following issues:
- the timeframes relating to real estate agents conducting CDD and completing CDD on their vendor customers in relation to the signing of agency agreements;
- conducting CDD on purchasers (who are not clients of the real estate agent) when refunding deposits; and
- the AML regime’s application to real estate agents engaged in property management activities.
We will updated members following Tuesday's meeting.
Non-Verifiable Education
Anti-Money Laundering Nationwide Roadshow
We've had great attendance, with more than 1,500 enrolments across New Zealand. Every Salesperson needs to be trained on AML prior to January 1, so don't miss out on your opportunity to attend these sessions!
Find out more about the feedback so far.
REINZ and AML Solutions are running AML Training sessions throughout New Zealand between now and December through the regions, for Sales Agents, Compliance Officers and Administrators.
Registrations are now open via the REINZ Website.
Find training in your area here - Last chance to book for Hamilton and Whangarei!
Watch the Salesperson AML Training webinar, or the Compliance Officer Training webinar.
Watch the video answering some frequently asked questions here.
If you would like to arrange individual training for your brand or office, please do not hesitate to contact AML Solutions at realestate@amlsolutions.co.nz
C&I Breakfast - Assessing Land for Risk Management - Free Seminar
If you are buying or selling commercial or industrial property, or have property developer clients, it’s important to know what lies beneath the land! Historical contamination, hazardous materials from past construction and other environmental issues may cause additional costs if not assessed in time.
Book now for the English Seminar - 7.15am - 8.45am
Book now for the Mandarin Seminar - 10.00am - 11.30am
Verifiable Training
The REA is sending letters soon to remind you to complete your 2018 Verifiable Training!
Book your online verifiable training here
Auckland Verifiable Training - Deadline extended due to demand - Closing today!
Tuesday 20 & Wednesday 21 November
Registration deadline Friday 16 November - a $50 per person late fee will apply after this date.
Events on Khyber
Planning your 2019 event, training session or need a fresh space?
Early bird discounts available on room hire at Events on Khyber. See more here.
Upcoming Events
Wellington YPIRE - End of Year Celebration - LAST CHANCE!
Tuesday 20 November
Held at Bethel Woods Bar with special guest Tal Meser - early start-up CEO of Tapi, who will be speaking about his journey and experience of being young in business.
Tickets are only $30 and spaces are limited, so get in quick! Spot prizes will be given away on the night; including Apple AirPods, a FitBit Versa, plus vouchers!
2018 Thames Bowls Tournament
Wednesday 21 November
All real estate agencies are invited to enter teams of three. If you cannot get a team of three from the industry (i.e. managers, salespeople, property managers or administrators), you can still have teams which must include two members from the industry and one other person.
2018 Auckland Bowls Tournament
Thursday 29 November
Join us for the 44th Annual Bowling Tournament! Each team is to be made up of at least one registered bowler and three other players.
Hawke's Bay Mini Conference
Thursday 29 November
You are invited to join us in celebrating the holiday season with guest speakers, networking, afternoon team, drinks and a buffet dinner. Speakers include Greg Lincoln of Media Mint, Jess Fincher of realestate.co.nz, Vikas Verma of NZME, Mikal Nielsen, Charlie Hislop of Trade Me, Reuben Billings and Lisa Gerrard of REINZ and Glen Smith of Hawke's Bay Today.
Face-to-face training
Creating a Sale & Purchase Agreement on the REINZ eForms platform - Auckland
Wednesday 28 November, 10am - 11am
How to use FlexiSign to Negotiate Offers Online
Wednesday 28 November, 11.15am - 12.15pm
Webinar Training
How to use FlexiSign to facilitate digital negotiations between clients
Further FlexiSign training videos are available under the eForm Support tab, including Managers functionality.
Letting fees replaced by 'tenancy fees'
Bindi Norwell spoke to Mike Hosking on NewstalkZB this week about the letting fee ban and what might happen next.
Listen to the full interview online.
Trust Receipt Books
The cut off date for Receipt Book orders is fast approaching. We recommend that you have your orders into us by the close of business on Tuesday 4th December for guaranteed delivery prior to Christmas.
Order form available here.
You can start placing orders again from Monday 14 January 2019.
2018 REINZ AGM
The Official Notice of Annual General Meeting of members will be held on Monday 26 November 2018 at Events on Khyber, 155 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton.
Email agm@reinz.co.nz to register, note apologies, or submit any items of general business.
The 2018 REINZ Annual Report is now available and can be found here.
REINZ works in partnership with NetYourJob recruitment to provide maximum industry coverage when you’re looking for real estate staff. NetYourJob can provide REINZ Members with competitive marketing rates for job advertising. Contact NetYourJob on 0800 638 968 to find out more or click here to view new jobs this week.
