Renting is certainly going through a slow period. We have properties to rent, but no applicants are coming forward. It is the two-bedroom units that are most slow. We have had to reduce in rent in many as some of the landlords’ expectations were too high, but even with rent reduction, enquires have still been low—here’s to hoping it picks up soon!
Tenants are aware of the Healthy Homes Standards. From 1 July, any new tenancy agreement, or variation to a current agreement, will have to meet the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days. All other tenancies have until July 2024 to be compliant, unless the tenants move out or once again there is a variation to their current agreement—then the property must meet requirements within 90 days. The Healthy Homes Standards incorporates: heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress, drainage, and draught stopping.
All agreements must include a level of compliance report/Healthy Homes statement. Many of our casual landlords have been doing these themselves and we have noticed many errors. Landlords are not fully aware of the requirements and the risk of not having it done correctly. There are fines for not being compliant and also for incomplete Healthy Homes Statements – it is just not worth the risk. Casual landlords, a word of advice from us at Just Rentals: get your property assessed by a professional Healthy Homes Assessor – it will be worth it when MBIE send the email asking for your evidence and reports. Or maybe it’s time to consider getting your property managed. We can help. Call or email us to make an appointment, we’re only too pleased to help.
