Tuesday, March 03, 2020
Q&A
Monday, February 24, 2020
How to deal with inherited tenants?
This week's question comes from Joe: I am about to settle on a property with an existing tenancy. Should I let the tenants stay? Barfoot & Thompson Property Manager Max Cameron shares his view: 'Its a bit of a complicated question, as it depends largely on the type of the property and what the current tenants are like. Chat with the cur... read more
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Where does National stand on things?
This week's question comes from Barry re the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill (paraphrased): What is the National Party’s position on landlords' ability to terminate with no stated reason? What is the timing for the commencement of the new law? The National Party so far has been silent on the Bill's proposal to abolish landlords' right to ter... read more
Thursday, January 23, 2020
Can you test for meth yourself?
This week's question comes from Clifford (paraphrased): Is there such a thing as meth test kits? Can they be used by landlords to carry out meth tests at rental properties and are the test results valid? Yes, they are such things as meth test kits which can be used by landlords to test for the presence of meth at your rental property. You wi... read more
Thursday, November 14, 2019
The Tribunal's position on meth
This week's question comes from Pat (paraphrased): Considering the inconclusiveness of what is a 'safe' level of meth presence, how would the Tenancy Tribunal decide on cases concerning the landlord's obligation to provide a safe home with respect to meth? You are right in pointing out the two competing opinions on what is considered 'safe' when it comes to ... read more
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Will increasing the rent give rise to a mandatory obligation to disclose insurance details
This week's question comes from Peter (paraphrased): In the case of an ongoing periodic tenancy that started before 27th August 2019, does the landlord's obligation to disclose insurance details to tenants become mandatory after a rent increase? To answer this question, we've turned to Kristine King from Duncan King Law. 'Section ... read more
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Can the OPC smack landlords?
This week's question comes from Thomas (paraphrased): What are the legal effects (if any) of the OPC's guidelines for landlords and what enforcement power does the OPC have? You will recall that over the course of the last few months, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner published, took back and republished its Guidance for landlords and tenants. The latest v... read more
Thursday, September 12, 2019
OCR predictions - should they be taken seriously?
This week's question comes from Pat (paraphrased): The Internet is riddled with OCR predictions. Every commentator sounds just as learned and trustworthy as the next. How seriously should property investors take these predictions? To answer this question, we've turned to Ryan Smuts from Kris Pedersen Mortgages & Insurance. Ryan, take it away! ... read more
Thursday, August 22, 2019
Is the RTAA insurance disclosure a step too far?
This week's question comes from Sue: I have just been advised that with the changes to the Residential Tenancy Act my property manager needs to file my insurance policy pertaining to our rental and the amount of excess and supply both to our tenant on request. Do you have an opinion on supplying such information to a tenant? I understand it has become law, but it seems... read more
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Hardwired smoke alarms at rental properties
This week's question comes from Zosie (paraphrased): Is there a law governing smoke alarms that are wired into house alarms? Who is authorised to check that these alarms are in working order and how often do they need to check it? In answering Zosie's question, we will be speaking specifically about residential tenancy setting aside any issues re... read more
Upcoming Events
07-Apr-2020
Members Only APIA Hangout - Covid-19 First response: What to do NOW to prepare for what is coming
07-Apr-2020
Members Only APIA Hangout - KPM Mortgage Clinic
08-Apr-2020
Members Only APIA Hangout - DKL Legal Clinic
