With all the changing alert levels it can be difficult to keep up with the government guidelines for landlords. To make it easy for you, we've laid out what you need to know during these dynamic times.
Alert Level 4
Property Inspections
No property inspections can be completed at this time. Alternatively, you can look at conducting virtual property inspections with the tenant's permission. Advice from the insurance ombudsman is that claims will not be rejected if inspections are disrupted as a result of Covid-19, so there is not pressure for landlords to complete virtual inspections at this time.
Emergency Maintenance Only
Only emergency maintenance can be attended to. Examples of emergency maintenance are if the property has no power, no heating, no hot water, or a sewage pipe has burst. We recommend asking tenants to provide a video or photos of the issue, so the maintenance concern can be better evaluated and resolved remotely. If the tenant feels unwell, or has recently returned to New Zealand, they should inform you when calling about emergency maintenance.
Advertised Properties
While in level 4 lockdown, no viewings can be provided for advertised properties.
Tenancies Ending or Beginning
At Alert Level 4, everyone must stay in their current home. If a tenancy is ending, or tenants are due to move into the property during level 4, then if is up to the landlord and tenants to discuss and reach an agreement. Tenancy Services have said, that if a tenant remains in a property after the tenancy was due to end they should continue to pay the rent.
Tenancy Disputes
There are no face-to-face hearings during this period. Hearings can happen virtually instead.
Alert Level 3
Property Inspections
It's recommended you do not carry out in-person property inspections. However, you can do virtual inspections if the tenant agrees.
Property Maintenance
Plumbers, electricians and tradespeople are now able to visit rental properties for normal repairs, as long as the tenant permits access then repairs can be carried out.
Advertised Properties
One-to-one viewings can be provided for advertised properties in vacant properties, with masks, gloves, and social distancing. To protect tenants we would advise not to provide viewings in tenanted properties.
Tenancy Disputes
Hearings will continue to be conducted virtually, with no face-to-face hearings.
Tenancies Ending or Beginning
Tenants can now move if they are moving or relocating permanently, a big relief for those who have been stuck in limbo during level 4. It's advised for tenants to carry documents to show that they are moving house to help explain their travel, such as the tenancy agreement or a proof of address. Be mindful, that if using a moving company to move in and out of an Alert Level 3 region, the movers will need to apply for an exemption from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Under Alert Level 3 professional cleaners can also be hired to clean rental properties between tenancies, a service we highly recommend.
Alert Level 2
Property Inspections
In-person inspections of tenanted properties can take place, if the tenant allows access. However, tenants cannot unreasonably refuse an inspection, unless they are considered at risk of having COVID-19.
Physical distancing and hygiene measures should be followed. On the day of inspection, we also contact the tenants to confirm they are well, have not been sick in the last 14 days, and they or any direct contact has not been at any locations of interest during the identified time period - if they have, then the inspection is rescheduled. To make tenants more comfortable, our team also reassure tenants the inspector is well and will keep to social distancing throughout the visit.
Property Maintenance
Tradespeople are able to visit properties for normal repairs. Records should be kept for contact tracing purposes. Physical distancing and hygiene guidance should be followed when inside homes, including surface cleaning on the area that is being worked on.
Advertised Properties
Under level 2, small group showings of tenanted properties are allowed, with the tenant's consent. Physical distancing, personal hygiene and surface cleaning should be observed, and records kept for contact tracing purposes.
Tenancy Disputes
Iin-person hearings can continue in level 2, complying with the arrangements set out by the Chief Justice on 12 August 2020. Parties affected by any change of Tribunal’s usual operating procedures will be advised and provided with information to ensure that they understand how their matter will be handled by the Tribunal.
Tenancies Ending or Beginning
Tenants are able to move to a new rental property. Removal companies can assist with moving, as long as physical distancing, personal hygiene and surface cleaning is conducted. They should also keep records for contact tracing purposes.
Alert Level 1
Property Inspections
In-person property inspections can continue.
Property Maintenance
Tradespeople can visit properties to carry out normal repairs.
Advertised Properties
Group showings of vacant and tenanted properties can continue.
Tenancy Disputes
In-person hearings will continue.
Tenancies Ending or Beginning
Tenancies can begin and end as normal.
Remember we're all in this together. If you're struggling with the changing guidelines, or are worried about letting your investment property at a time like this, feel free to call us, we're here to help:
Quinovic Johnsonville | Wellington
Call Jordan Atkinson - 027 297 0873
Quinovic Hutt Valley | Wellington
Call Helen Vance - 027 487 8103
Quinovic Kent Terrace | Wellington
Call Jordan Atkinson - 027 297 0873
Quinovic Wellington Property Managers