In a recent case, the Rotorua property management company was ordered to pay $3,000 in damages by the Tenancy Tribunal for failing to address a problem in the rental property they manage.
Tenants reported an issue of a water pipe bursting in the ceiling. Unbelievably, they had to wait for 16 months for these problems to be addressed. The issue caused the house to be cold and damp. The tenants tried to repair the damage by taping the whole in the ceiling with cardboard. Eventually the MBIE Tenancy Compliance and Investigation Team got involved.
It is important to remember that tenants have an obligation to report maintenance issue to landlords as soon as they arise, and landlord have an obligation to address these issues in a timely manner.
To avoid any financial fines, make sure that at all times, you as a landlord provide and maintain your rental properties in a reasonable state of repair, in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act.
The information contained in this article is exclusively for promotional purposes. It does not in any way constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as the basis for any legal action or contractual dealings. The information is not, and does not attempt to be, a comprehensive account of the relevant law in New Zealand. If you require legal advice you should seek independent legal counsel. myRent.co.nz does not accept any liability that may arise from the use of this information.
