Bad news for unconsented garage conversions: renting unlawful premises has become much harder due to changes in the Residential Tenancies Act. If you’ve added a small kitchen and bathroom area into your garage to rent it out, stop. If a building is not consented for residential use, you can’t rent it out. This includes any […]
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Asbestos in a Rental: What Are Your Responsibilities?
As a landlord, if you suspect or know of asbestos in a rental, do you know what your responsibilities are? Asbestos was a commonly used building material up to and including the 1980s. However, homes which were built or renovated before 2000 may also contain it. Asbestos is one of six natural silicate materials […]
Fair Wear and Tear From a Landlord’s Point of View
With the ruling in favour of the tenant in the Osaki case, landlords have since been wondering what constitutes fair wear and tear within their rentals. There is a multitude of things to consider, both in the definition of fair wear and tear, and whether occurring damage is due to intentional or careless damage […]
Are You a Landlord Going Overseas? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re a landlord going overseas, this is a must read! The Residential Tenancies Act sets out your obligations regarding the management of your rental property. Find out what you need to do to avoid being given excessive fines. Whether it’s for a holiday or to live, if you’re a landlord going overseas, you […]
How to Reduce Your Rental Property Maintenance Costs
Every landlord wants to reduce their rental property maintenance costs. But for most, this remains a dream, with their rentals costing them far more money to repair and maintain than they planned. However, it is possible with some careful planning (and yes, by spending money), to reduce your rental property maintenance costs over the lifetime […]
Can Having a Rental Property Fund Your Retirement?
Will having a single rental property fund your retirement? Or will you need multiple rentals? Is it worth releasing the equity on your family home to purchase a rental, whose income you can rely upon during retirement? Or should you stick to putting your cash into KiwiSaver or another retirement fund? We’re not […]
5 Things Productive & Successful Landlords Do Well
Ever wondered what successful landlords do differently from the rest of us? We share five key things they do, to help you become the productive landlord you want to be! Take a read now. Successful landlords do more than simply rent out their property. There’s a special set of skills, experience and knowledge they must […]
Should You Have an Eco-Friendly Rental?
Wondering if having an eco-friendly rental is the way forward? We explain why you should consider having an environmentally friendly rental and how you can easily achieve one. Eco-friendly and rental are not words often put together, but in today’s rental market, an eco-friendly rental is hot property! It’s not only home owners desiring […]
Ways of Managing LVR Restrictions for Investors
As a property investor, finding ways to work with the current LVR restrictions to grow your portfolio is important. We share some tips on how you can do that, including in the Auckland property market. LVR restrictions or loan to valuation restrictions have been put in place by the Reserve Bank to limit the amount […]
Keeping your Rental Property Pest Free
Does your rental have a pest problem? We share the importance of having a pest free rental, plus five ways you and your tenant can achieve this. Find out more now. Keeping a pest-free rental property is usually pretty simple. At the beginning of the tenancy, it is your responsibility to ensure it is pest […]