In The Know - Property Management
19 June 2019
Find all the Property Management information on this page or go back to In The Know
Healthy Homes Standards - Statement of compliance
MBIE have finalised an example of a statement of compliance for the Healthy Homes Standards, this is available now on their website which can be added to agreements.
This legislation requires that from 1 July 2019 all new tenancy agreements must include a separately signed statement confirming intention to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards (HHS). The statement is also required if there is a written variation or renewal of a tenancy agreement.
Failure to include and sign this statement from 1 July may result in a financial penalty up to $500.
Preventing mould over the colder months
At this time of the year many tenants struggle to keep on top of mould, even when their homes are insulated.
The Tenancy Services website has some useful tips for tenants, some of which are reproduced below.
What tenants should do to prevent mould
Once they move in, they need to keep the house clean and tidy. This includes keeping it in a condition that doesn’t encourage mould and damp. A well-aired, ventilated house is crucial to prevent mould. Tenants are most likely to have problems with damp and mould in autumn and winter. A dry, well-aired home is easier to heat and healthier for them and their family. They should open windows and doors whenever they can and open the curtains during the day. Activities like cooking, bathing or drying clothes create moisture. To remove this from the house, open windows and use any extractor fans.
Other things they can do to prevent mould and damp are:
- keep lids on pots when cooking wipe condensation off walls and windows
- hang washing outside, and make sure everything’s dry before putting it away
- leave wardrobes a bit open and pull beds and furniture away from walls
- keep the shower curtain hanging inside the shower or bath so water doesn’t drip on the floor, and wash the curtain every few weeks
- use an electric heater rather than portable gas heaters (these release water as the gas burns)
- keep only a few plants inside
- if you have a mattress on the floor, air the mattress every day by removing the covers and lifting the mattress onto its side.
For more information visit https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/maintenance-and-inspections/mould-and-dampness/
REINZ Information Sheet on Mould and Dampness in rental properties
Case Update: Tenant obligations - missing smoke alarms
The issue in this case was whether the tenant complied with their obligations at the end of the tenancy.
Law:
The tenant’s obligations are outlined under section 40 of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. Once a tenancy has ended, tenants must leave the premises reasonably clean and tidy, return all keys and security devices, replace smoke alarm batteries, replace light bulbs and leave the chattels provided by the landlord to the tenant.
Facts:
The tenant did not leave the premises clean or tidy and they did not remove all rubbish. Two chattels were missing, being 2 garage door remote control units and smoke alarms. The curtains were soiled and were mouldy which required replacement. The amounts ordered were evidenced by invoices and photos supplied by the landlord to the Tenancy Tribunal.
Finding:
The Tribunal found that the tenants had breached their obligations and made an award in favour of the landlord.
You can find the full decision here.
Christchurch Workshop: Understanding Resilience
Tuesday 9 July, The Tannery, Christchurch
As a Property Manager, do you sometimes feel STRESSED, TIME-PRESSURED and UNDER THE PUMP? Then this workshop is for you!
By understanding resilience you can become better informed about, and aware of, how to cope with the pressures of working life.
NV = 2 hours
2019 RPM Conference - Thriving in Changing Times
Friday 2 August, Hilton Hotel Auckland
This not-to-be missed Property Management Conference is hosted by Simon McKinney and filled with a great line-up of speakers such as Lisa O’Neill, Dr Annette Beautrais, Steve Watson, Lisa Gerrard and Sheree Nicholas.
Breakout sessions will be available for Property Managers and Business Owners.
Registration includes Cocktail Networking Drinks where the winner of the ‘2019 Recognition of Contribution to the Property Management Industry’ will be announced.
REINZ Residential Rental Review - May 2019
The May REINZ Residential Rental Review is now available here.
