Landlords, beware.
While you’re not in the country, your rental properties must have a person or agent managing them. Whether you have one or 51, they all must have an agent.
Section 16a of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 states that a landlord must appoint an agent if out of the country for more than 21 consecutive days. You do not necessarily require a management company, it can be any member of the family or a family friend.
Landlords that do not comply are committing an unlawful act and could be fined $1,500 per property.
The purpose of this section of the act is to ensure tenants have contact with an agent or specified representative of the landlord should they need to. Maintenance may be required at any time, such as for leaking hot water systems, broken elements, windows that won’t open, toilets that won’t flush, and much more.
So, ensure you book that flight with peace of mind, and don’t spoil your well-earned holiday with calls from tenants with problems – appoint an agent.
It’s also important to note that it’s useful to have someone familiar with landlord responsibilities.
Happy landings!
Sylvia Lund, Director
40 St Johns Rd, Meadowbank
Sylvia Lund Areinz:
09 528 4818 or 0274 870 550
justrentals@xtra.co.nz
justrentals.co.nz
