This article is from realestate.co.nz and the original one can be viewed by clicking here.

If you own a rental property, it’s likely you already know about the new healthy homes standards that came into effect on 1 July 2019. Landlords must already maintain their rental properties, but under the new standards, some will need to improve the quality of their property too. While it will ensure better and healthier homes for Kiwis, it can seem a bit overwhelming in the short-term. You might have questions like ‘What does this mean for me and my property?’ or ‘Is owning a rental property still a smart investment?’

The good news is that real estate is still a great asset. If you are willing to invest in keeping it healthy you won’t need to do as much maintenance in the long run. Plus, happy and healthy tenants are more likely to stick around and pay rent on time. Keeping your rental healthy will also remove any last-minute stress if your circumstances change and you were to sell the property.

Get ahead of the game and sort out your property now, by investing in a few key areas. Here are four easy steps to help make sure your investment is healthy and ticks all the boxes.

Before you get started, read up on the latest changes in regulation. The standards cover heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage, and draughts – so check what’s required in each area. There are plenty of websites where you can find useful resources and the latest information - Raise the Standard has a handy rental health checklist to get you started.

While it’s easy to do this yourself initially, some of the standards (like insulation) may require some help or professional advice. Assessors and experienced professionals are the experts and will be able to help you create an overview of your property’s health, so you can keep track of what needs to be done.

Remember to book in regular property inspections to keep on top of maintenance issues. If your tenants don’t always let you know when problems arise, spark the conversation. Work together to solve problems as they crop up, as this will ensure your property stays in better condition in the long run.

Change won’t happen overnight. It’s important to plan and prioritise what needs to be done to keep your property healthy. By outlining this before you start work, you’ll find out what needs to be completed right away and what can be looked at later down the line.

Here are a few planning tips:

Taking action is the most important step. Before you begin any work, make sure you keep your tenants in the loop. You need to give your tenants at least 24 hours’ notice if you’re entering the property or doing work in order to meet the standards. It also helps if tenants know what upgrades you’re doing and why. There’s a great info sheet you can share with them that has simple information on the standards, and how they can help keep your rental healthy.

Some things, like painting, are okay for you to DIY – but for any bigger projects, like installing a new extractor fan, call in the tradies. It will pay off, in the long run, to get the job done well by an experienced professional.

Don’t let your hard work go to waste and stay on top of your paperwork. Landlords must keep a record of all upgrades and maintenance. This includes inspection reports, water bills, tenancy agreements, rent receipts and any documentation to prove that you’re complying with the new standards. Proper documentation can make life easy at tax time - and helps if you want to list your property in the future.

Now you know the key areas to work on, you can start ticking all the boxes when it comes to keeping your rental property healthy. It will help you attract and retain great tenants, who are willing to help ensure your property stays in great shape – making life easy for you when it comes time to sell.

For all the information you need to know to level up your rental property and stay ahead of the game, head to Raise the Standard.

As Property Managers, the question we get most apart from ‘how much rent can we get?’ is
‘what checks do you conduct on prospective tenants?’

Here at Summit Property Management, we conduct credit checks, personally call employers to verify employment, call previous landlords and ask a series of questions as to how the tenancy was conducted, and in some cases check the ownership of the property and call character referees with some standing.

The biggest source of information outside the above is a comprehensive, specialist background check, this is often where we discover the important details on some applicants, sources include;

If you are looking for a supply of well-vetted tenants, contact your nearest Summit Property Management office today.

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Summit Real Estate has dominated the real estate market since 1992, building from a modest Stoke office into the region's most successful real estate company. Our formula for sustained market leadership isn't complicated: we recruit exceptional sales and marketing professionals who share our commitment to integrity, transparency, and delivering outstanding results for every client.

Maintaining market leadership for over three decades requires more than just ambition—it demands the right people. We specifically seek sales and marketing consultants who embrace hard work and are passionate about creating unparalleled service experiences. If you're ready to elevate your career beyond what you thought possible, Summit provides the platform for extraordinary professional growth.

The Summit difference lies in our proven development culture. We've witnessed hundreds of professionals transform their careers with us, building substantial businesses that have genuinely changed their lives. This isn't a casual opportunity—we expect dedication and strong work ethic from every team member. In return, we provide comprehensive support including industry-leading coaching, strategic management guidance, cutting-edge systems, and ongoing professional development.

Our track record speaks for itself: decade after decade of market leadership, hundreds of successful careers launched, and countless professionals who've achieved financial and personal growth they never imagined possible. The nurturing environment we've created focuses entirely on your success, providing you with every tool and resource needed to excel in today's competitive real estate market.

Ready to discover what your real estate career could become? Our management team is actively seeking motivated sales and marketing consultants who want to join a winning organisation. Don't let this opportunity pass—your future self will thank you for taking action today.

Contact our management team to start your Summit journey. We're excited to hear from ambitious professionals ready to achieve exceptional results.

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Summit Real Estate was delighted to be able to help out on Saturday with the Mitre10 Mega Helicopter House auction that sold under the hammer for $276,000.

Summit's Auction Manager, Ben Nalder, was the auctioneer on the day and after spirited bidding by multiple parties the house was successfully sold to Dean and Emma McCashin of McCashin's Brewery in Stoke.

During the auction, the rescue helicopter had to make an unplanned departure from the site much to onlooker's delight who got to watch the helicopter take off up close.

Click here to watch the live recording of the auction and read more about the project and happy new owners.

Heat pumps are an excellent energy-efficient solution for heating and cooling New Zealand homes, but proper maintenance is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. Whether you're a tenant or landlord, understanding heat pump care responsibilities can save money, prevent costly repairs, and ensure comfortable living conditions year-round.