In The Know - Property Management
29 May 2019
Find all the Property Management information on this page or go back to In The Know
Change of tenant or landlord/property manager?
Here's what to do!
Tenancy Services have provided useful information for when a tenant or landlord/property manager changes. This information is outlined below.
Bond tips:
If a landlord/property manager or tenant of a property changes then, the bond records will need to be accordingly updated within 10 workings days of the change.
It should be noted that Tenancy Services can only refund those who are listed under the Tenancy Services Bond Record System. Those who signed the bond lodgement form must also have signed the bond refund form. If the signatures do not match then, there may be a delay in obtaining the refund.
Change of tenant
If there is a change of tenant during the tenancy, all other tenants and the landlord/property manager must:
- Agree to the change of tenant
- Record the change in writing which should be signed by the landlord/property manager and remaining tenants
- Make sure everyone involved has a copy of the signed document
- Complete and send a Change of Tenant form
Change of landlord/property manager
Sometimes a new landlord/property manager will take over the tenancy. This could be because:
- The landlord has gone on holiday or overseas
- The property management company has changed
- The rental property has been sold
If the landlord or property manager changes during a tenancy, the new landlord or property manager must complete a Change of Landlord/Agent form.
The change of landlord/agent form must be signed by:
- The previous landlord/property manager; and
- The new landlord/property manager
The Tenancy Services website has information, resources and templates to assist you when managing your tenancy, visit the Tenancy Services website.
Case Update: Throwing toys
The issue in this case was whether the tenant complied with their obligations at the end of the tenancy.
Obligations:
The tenant must leave the premises reasonably clean and tidy and return all keys under section 40 of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. The tenant is also required to replace worn out smoke alarm batteries during the tenancy.
The tenant did not leave the windows or carpets reasonably clean. The Tenancy Tribunal ordered them to pay the amounts evidenced in the invoices provided.
The landlord claimed that they had to replace the smoke alarm, bedroom door handle and hooks and eyes from drapes however, the Tribunal dismissed this claim as not proven.
Damage:
The law states that when a landlord has insurance, a tenant is not liable for repairs unless the damage was intentional.
The landlord claimed that the tenant had cracked two windows during the tenancy. They claimed that the tenant damaged the bedroom windows and lounge windows.
The landlord provided the Tribunal with an email from the tenant’s sister confirming that she witnessed the tenant throwing a toy at the bedroom windows which caused the damage.
The Tribunal found that the damage was intentional and made an award for the two panes in the bedroom. The amounts ordered were also evidenced by an invoice provided by the landlord.
The landlord did not provide evidence of any damage to the lounge window and the Tribunal, accordingly, dismissed the claim as not proven.
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 and Skills are excited to offer the Residential Property Management Qualification
Just 2 days left to register for the June intake - registrations close Friday 31 May
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 flyer for more information.
REINZ Residential Rental Review - April 2019
The April REINZ Residential Rental Review is now available here.
