Did you know that a rental warrant of fitness has been talked about since 2007? Jeanette Fitzsimons, the then Energy Efficiency and Conservation spokesperson, said in response to the lack of take-up of rental property insulation, “if, after several years opportunity, some are still unwilling, we will have to consider a regulatory approach.” It was here the rental warrant of fitness seed was planted. But what is it, will it really happen and why do some say it is necessary? We’ll explain it all …
What is a Rental Warrant of Fitness?
A rental warrant of fitness is currently a voluntary scheme which was first trialled in 2014. 144 properties from Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin properties participated in a trial, of which 94% failed to meet at least one of the 31 WOF criteria. Known as the Healthy Homes Research Project, it again raised calls that a rental WOF should be mandatory.
Because of the findings, the National Government introduced the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act, requiring minimum insulation standards and smoke alarms in residential rental properties. But some are still calling for a rental WOF to be made compulsory.
During an inspection, residential rental properties are assed on things such as lighting, wall linings, mould, insulation, storage areas, outdoor path surfaces and window security stays.
Will a Residential Rental WOF Be Implemented?
Wellington City Council introduced a voluntary scheme in 2017, but the Green Party want it made compulsory nationwide by 2019. Leader James Shaw says that with half of NZ’s population renting, they should also have access to the same living standards as home owners. The Green policy also says that a demerit system could be introduced, three-year fixed term leases and automatic right of renewal occur and rent rises limited to once per year.
We can only wait and see if a compulsory scheme will be introduced. The NZ Property Investors’ Federation believes that most rental properties are in good condition already. Instead of charging landlords for inspections, the Federation believes that offering discounts and incentives to landlords to raise the standard of their properties would be more effective.
The National Party and other interested parties say we need to tread carefully. If large costs or demands were placed on landlords, rental stock availability would drop as investors sell up. It will be interesting to see what happens over the next few years and you can be certain we’ll keep you updated with it! As Auckland property managers, it’s our job to know what’s happening to manage your property effectively. Give us a call to talk about how we can help you with your rental property today!
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