We can’t stress enough to landlords of the importance of abiding by their responsibilities set out by the Residential Tenancy Act. Aimed at providing certainty regarding a tenancy, the RTA legally protects both parties if things go sour.
It also requires landlords to provide and maintain a rental property which is in a reasonable state of repair and cleanliness. If not abided by, a landlord can face significant fines. We look at some of the penalties landlords from around NZ have received by not ensuring their property complies with the Residential Tenancy Act requirements.
Consequences of Not Complying with the Residential Tenancy Act As a landlord, you are responsible for:
- keeping the rental property in reasonable condition
- letting your landlord experience quiet enjoyment of the rental
- meeting the building, health and safety standards
- letting the tenant know if the property goes on the market
- ensuring the home is dry and free from damp
- providing a heating source and adequate ventilation
- undertaking regular maintenance
- repairing broken or damaged areas of the property
While we focus on ensuring our clients meet the requirements of the RTA, there are landlords throughout New Zealand who do not meet their obligations. Here are some of the recent fines from Tenancy Tribunal hearings some of these landlords faced:
- In Wellington, a landlord was fined $1,200 for failing to insulate their rental property.
- A Christchurch landlord failed to fix the oven within a timely manner and left rat droppings in the hot water cupboard when the tenant moved in. There was also not enough clearance between the floor and the ground, resulting in a damp property. The landlord was charged a total of $2,000.
- In Christchurch, a landlord was fined $2,700 for failing to repair a laundry tap, replacing the range hood for four months, not maintaining the DVS system, performing unauthorised electrical work and not providing insurance information when requested.
- A Palmerston North landlord was fined $400 for not addressing mould issues in the property and entering the property without giving the required notice.
At Hollie Joss Property Management, we make it our responsibility to inform our clients about their obligations of the RTA so they can make informed decisions and take action. We welcome new clients who wish us to assist with the management of their rental: book your free rental appraisal today.
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