Initial inspections
If the property is vacant, landlords can inspect their rental homes.
New tenants cannot be present as they would normally. We recommend both you and tenants take photos of the property's condition independently.
If you're getting the property ready for the new tenants, it is recommended to use professional cleaners to clean a vacant rental property. Using professional cleaners will help to ensure the relevant hygiene controls are being followed.
Routine Inspections
Routine inspections of rental properties cannot take place under Alert Level 3.
Virtual inspections can be an option but can only be arranged if the tenants agree. A virtual inspection is an excellent opportunity for tenants to inform the landlord about any maintenance that is required.
Final inspections
At the end of the tenancy, the landlord and tenant should conduct the final property inspections independently from one another. Tenants should take photos of the property's condition before leaving, and landlords should inspect the property once the property is vacant (once the tenants have moved out)
Maintenance
Maintenance can only occur in emergencies or with tenant approval.
In case of an emergency, a landlord can visit the property to confirm that emergency maintenance is required.
It is recommended to use professional services to undertake the maintenance of their vacant rental property.
You can get tradespeople to come to your home to do work at Alert Levels 1, 2 and 3. However, you and your tradespeople need to ensure the relevant public health measures at each alert level are met, including the physical distancing requirements at Alert Levels 2 and 3. This means that if your need to undertake building works to get your rental meeting the healthy homes standards, you can now arrange for tradespeople to come in.
You should never visit a property if the occupants are unwell, are self-isolating, or have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the last 14 days
In December 2021 NZ moved away from the alert level system to the COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic lights). Follow this link to the summary of real estate activities permitted under various traffic light settings
The information contained in this article is exclusively for promotional purposes. It does not in any way constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as the basis for any legal action or contractual dealings. The information is not and does not attempt to be, a comprehensive account of the relevant law in New Zealand. If you require legal advice, you should seek independent legal counsel. myRent.co.nz does not accept any liability that may arise from the use of this information.
