Good News for Landlords!
Tuesday 20 August 2019
Often new Government tenancy legislation gives us the willies. However, the latest Residential Tenancies Amendment Act due to come into force this month has some welcome changes.
The most awaited is the clarification of who pays for ‘accidental’ tenant damage. Since the famous ‘Osaki Case’, landlords have had to cover the cost of repairs where the tenant caused accidental damage. That has been a bitter pill to swallow for many. Under the new legislation, the tenant causing damage ‘carelessly’ will be liable for the landlords’ insurance excess or costs up to the equivalent four weeks worth of rent for each item. As usual, there are conditions, and we will need to monitor tribunal decisions for more clarification.
Within the act is an amended definition of ‘Residential Premises’ in terms of ‘unlawful premises’ such as converted garages and sleepouts etc.
Finally, a provision for a future decision on safe methamphetamine levels has recently blown over with the Gluckman report.
For more information head over to summitrentals.co.nz/helpful-for-landlords to check out our Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2019 Factsheet or contact your local Summit branch to speak to one of our property managers.
