
In The Know - Property Management
24 April 2019
Find all the Property Management information on this page or go back to In The Know
Why do we need a property management qualification?
We do not yet know what the Government is considering in terms of regulating the industry. They may or may not require property managers to obtain a formal qualification. There is a lot of lobbying going on, but it is likely to be a number of months (possibly longer) before we know what the Government’s thoughts are around regulation and what they will require property managers to do.
The Tenancy Services helpline receives more than 20,000 phone calls a year from property managers asking for advice.
We believe the NZ Certificate in Property Management will give property managers the training and confidence to successfully navigate their way in the property management environment. REINZ is striving to raise the professionalism, standards and the reputation of the property management sector.
This qualification is a combination of online and face-to-face training sessions that can be spread over a 12-month period. This is an ideal opportunity to set yourself apart from the competition and give you a mark of quality.
See below for more details on the qualification.
REINZ and Skills are excited to offer the Residential Property Management Qualification
REINZ and Skills are working together to offer a programme that will arm you with the knowledge, tools, tips and tricks of the trade to help you become a successful property manager with a great reputation.
Sign up before 31 May 2019 and pay only $1,499+gst per member, instead of $1,599+gst.
Check out the flier for more information
Unlawful Act
The tenants in this case claimed that the property manager breached their obligations under section 45 of the Residential Tenancies Act (Act).
Law: Under section 45 of the Act, the landlord must maintain the premises in a reasonable state of repair.
If a party has committed an unlawful act intentionally, the Tenancy Tribunal may award exemplary damages of up to $4,000 where, it is satisfied that it is reasonable to award the damages, having regard to the party’s intent, the effect of the unlawful act, the interests of the other party and public interest.
Facts: The tenants had informed the property management company that that they were experiencing issues with the dimmer switch, kitchen tap, gas hob, underfloor heating and the building fire doors. The tenants gave the company adequate notice to repair the defects. Some of the issues were resolved however, some were not attended to in a reasonable timeframe.
Finding: The Tribunal found that the company had committed an unlawful act. The Tribunal noted that the company’s systems had not been working and accordingly, did not find their act to be intentional in ignoring some of the requests by the tenants. However, the effect of the unlawful act was that the tenants lost sleep and their enjoyment of the premises was reduced.
The Tribunal found that it was in the interest of the public and the tenants to have the defects repaired within a reasonable time frame. The tenant’s established their claim and the Tribunal awarded $330 in exemplary damages.
You can find the full decision here.
Tip: The lesson for Property Managers/Landlords from this case is that they must ensure that defects are dealt with in a timely manner.
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’Neil, Dr Annette Beautrais, Steve Watson, Lisa Gerrard and Sheree Nicholas.
Breakout sessions will be available for Property Managers, Business Owners and Administrators.
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
The March Residential Rental Review is now available from REINZ.