From 1 November this year, new Building Code rules come into effect around smoke alarms – both builders and homeowners need to be thinking ahead and, in some cases, starting to address the changes, says Jared Dinneen, NZ Country Leader, Home & Distribution Schneider Electric New Zealand Mid-winter is peak house fire season. Continue →

Despite the Government’s decision not to proceed with legislation regulating property managers, one firm has committed to meeting the same standard that would have been required under such legislation Fixated on increasing housing supply, Housing Minister Chris Bishop has ruled out any plans to regulate the property management industry. Continue →

The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) voices strong support for the regulation of the residential property management sector, emphasising the need for balanced and effective regulations to safeguard both landlords and tenants As the discussion around residential property management regulation intensifies, the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) stepped forward to provide crucial insights and recommendations to the Social Services and Community Committee on behalf of the industry and its 1700 residential property management members. Continue →

Cyclones and floods are usually associated with excess moisture, long periods of heat and humidity, and pooling of water – factors that all help create a favourable environment for mould When returning to a flood-affected house or building, dry it out quickly by opening all the doors and windows. Continue →

WorkSafe is warning homeowners and landlords of a design fault with several brands of combination heat/light/fan units that has been identified as a fire hazard WorkSafe has noted a number of recent fires involving older combination bathroom heat/light/fan units (manufactured before 2008) and advises users with these units to visually check for signs of damage. Continue →

As COVID-19 will be with us for many months ahead, the Insurance Council of New Zealand answers some commonly asked questions What are my insurance related responsibilities as a landlord in a COVID-19 environment? Continue →

When it comes to an investment property, both seasoned investors and newbie investors alike are usually looking for the same things and there are several desirable traits that an investment property should have, but generally, what you’re looking for falls under these three categories Claire Warin – The Property Crowd Location, location, location When selecting a property, it’s important to consider the location. Continue →

A Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on residential property investors will do nothing to help the country’s housing supply, but would instead just push up rents and push out many professional property managers, says one New Zealand real estate boss “The Government has rightly said it will keep farmers and small business owners top of mind, but it also needs to carefully consider property investors who are crucial to the country as well,” says Ryan Mitchell, National Manager of Century 21 New Zealand. Continue →

Time is running short to meet new insulation requirements for rental properties, and a national expert says landlords need to act now or risk running out of options Owners face spot checks and fines of up to $4,000 if their rental properties are not insulated by 1 July under new regulations. Continue →

Colliers International is launching a new Project Management division to be led by Kerry Woods, who recently oversaw the major refurbishment of Auckland’s QBE Centre The division will build on the capability of Colliers’ Project Management team in Australia, which has delivered numerous large-scale projects on both sides of the Tasman. Continue →

In the year to June, the deaths of between 40 and 45 Kiwis are believed to be linked to the use of synthetic cannabis. Continue →

Less than a year out from the introduction of new healthy home laws for rental accommodation, almost 60% of landlords had done nothing to prepare for the changes, according to a new survey The HRV State of the Home Survey, conducted by research company Buzz Channel, found 58% of tenants said their landlords were yet to make any changes ahead of the Healthy Homes Guarantee Act coming into effect in July 2019. Continue →

Uncertainty and complexity around a tenant’s make good obligations can lead to costly disputes at the end of a lease – but property experts say better processes can help tenants and landlords avoid common pitfalls Make good clauses are written into most commercial property lease agreements. Continue →