Alert Level Three Landlord

Landlords may be feeling anxious around the management of their rental property during Level Three. Here are some of our most commonly asked questions by our owners, and links to where you can get the best possible information.

Q. I’M STILL TRYING TO FIND TENANTS FOR MY RENTAL. WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

A. Your listing will remain active and showcased in order for potential tenants to view and apply online for your rental. Under Level Three, in-person open homes and personal viewings may only be undertaken in exceptional circumstances and only if remote processes are not possible. Any visit or viewing should be conducted under stringent health and safety guidelines. With the current tenants permission it may be possible to view the property. The usual principles apply – the tenant’s approval is required before a viewing or visit but cannot be unreasonably withheld and may be given subject to reasonable conditions.

Your property manager would be able to inform you of any applications and queries that come through during lockdown.

Q. CAN I GET AN APPRAISAL FOR MY RENTAL PROPERTY?

A. It’s quite possible for appraisals to be administered remotely. Our property managers are ready to view your home via a video call with you, and even have data and statistics available to them via different digital portals to offer you a market appraisal. This can then be emailed through to you. So in case you are hoping to tenant your property, or simply need to calculate market lease for the bank, we would be happy to assist.

Q. INSPECTIONS WERE PAUSED DURING LEVEL FOUR, BUT I NEED IT FOR MY INSURANCE. WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST I DO?

A. An inspection by the property manager is permitted under Alert Level Three, where virtual or remote processes cannot be used provided the proper health conditions are in place.The tenant’s approval is required before a visit and the tenant should not be at the property when inspection is carried out. If this is not possible, all parties must meet 2-metre physical distancing requirements. Our property management team keeps records for inspections that was scheduled but didn’t take place for your insurer and will pass this information on to you.

Q. NEW OCCUPANTS WERE JUST ABOUT TO MOVE INTO MY RENTAL. WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

A. During Alert Level Three, occupants can move house if they are moving or relocating home permanently and follow the government guidance. Only house-moving professionals and the buyer can move furniture and items from the house under Alert Level Three. Talk to your property manager as situations vary depending on the tenancy type.

Q. I HAVE A FEW OTHER INQUIRIES, WHO CAN I SPEAK TO?

A. Please feel free to contact your property manager directly. We all work remotely and are able to assist around-the-clock.

The following links may provide additional information:
Tenancy Services:
tenancy.govt.nz
Ministry of Housing and Urban Development:
hud.govt.nz
Ministry of Health:
health.govt.nz
Work and Income:
workandincome.govt.nz
Covid-19 Hub:
covid19.govt.nz