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A new Tenancy Tribunal decision demonstrates that neglecting serious maintenance issues can have big financial implications.

You may have decided to rent out one of the rooms in your house and so, unintentionally became a live-in landlord. There are some circumstances where you still be covered by the Residential Tenancies Act and some, where you’re not.

Building a granny flat in the back garden as an extra room that can be rented out seems like a no-brainer. But can construction costs associated with this build be claimed on tax?

If you’re thinking of renting your property to tenants who are under 18 years of age, make sure you consider the following legal implications.

Unfortunately, winter brings a lot of problems to under-heated properties. Under insulated properties (of which NZ has many) effect health and wellbeing of hundreds of people each winter. Damp and cold homes are also likely to suffer from structural damage. With new insulation standards for rentals coming into effect July next year, looking into ways to improve heating in your investment property makes financial sense.

Renters United have recently proposed 36 law changes to fix “broken” rental system. What’s in it for you?

New Zealand councils are starting to crack down on the fast-growing short-term rental market.

The law requires all rental properties to be insulated. But is the cost of insulating a tenanted home tax deductible?

It’s no surprise that a well-renovated, freshly refurbished property attracts more interest from higher quality tenants but also higher rents. If you finally decide to spend some hard-earned money on your investment property, you'll want to make sure the renovation will maximise your rental yields.

A landlord or a tenant may be responsible for paying water charges depending on different circumstances.

The landlord is responsible for making sure that the property has a means of heating water and cooking food. If gas bottles are used for this then the landlord is responsible for the cost of the bottle, but the tenant is responsible for the usage.

Body corporate rules are a set of rules which govern the rights and responsibilities of property owners and residents of unit titles (most apartments, units and townhouses). They form part of the tenancy, and tenants are required to comply with the rules.

A landlord is required to maintain their property in a reasonable state of repair and comply with all relative legislation.

WorkSafe has finally released a policy clarification concerning residential landlords and their duty to identify asbestos and prepare an asbestos management plan.

Some landlords may find that there are additional clauses they would like to add to their tenancy agreement. While this may seem straightforward, landlords need to be aware that additional clauses must follow the Tenancies Act or they will be found null and void, and breaches of the RTA are taken very seriously by the Tenancy Tribunal.

When purchasing a property with existing long-term tenants and no written tenancy agreement in place, it's essential to understand your rights.

If you’re one of the landlords who don’t allow pets on your property who just discovered your tenant is living with one, it is important to know what you can do about it.

A new movement in New Zealand is primed to see a ban in letting fees by December 12.

As a landlord you have the right to access your rental property at certain times with proper notice and after permission has been granted by your tenant. These rules help to ensure that your tenants are receiving their entitlement to quiet enjoyment.

Most landlords are genuinely trying to do their best at managing their rental properties. However, nobody is perfect. Sometimes inexperience and unfamiliarity with the ever-changing tenancy law lead to mistakes and actions that could be considered illegal.

Economic pressures, a tight rental market, a new government, and concerns over rental safety have created an atmosphere ripe for reform of tenancy law. But just what is being considered, and how will it affect Kiwi property owners and renters?

Under New Zealand law, most transactions, contracts, and agreements can be completed and signed electronically - this includes Residential Tenancy Agreements and other tenancy-related documents and forms.

All rental properties must have working smoke alarms that meet the legal requirements - it is important that both landlords and tenants understand their legal obligations to install and maintain smoke alarms.

Your property purchase is a valuable investment, it needs looking after. Choosing the right insurance policy to protect it should be at the top of your priority list.