The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) sent their members a copy of a Tenancy Tribunal Order that awarded exemplary damages to the tune of $3,500.00 against a property manager and $971.43 against a landlord for failing to comply with the Healthy Homes Standards Regulations.
We are posting a link to a copy of the order, to point out that compliance is not a one-time exercise. Failure to comply could have significant financial consequences for your property manager.
You can download and read the full order by clicking here.
While you might have made the necessary investments to make sure your property is compliant, you may not be aware of your ongoing obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards Act as below:
- Maintenance of heat pumps and mechanical ventilation devices such as rangehoods and exhaust fans as they age.
- Topping up of insulation if it has deteriorated due to age.
- Regular maintenance of gutters and storm water drains.
- Corrective measures to be taken when there is water pooling and drainage issues anywhere on the property.
- Corrective measures to be taken when the tenant reports draughts due to gaps in doors and windows.
Your property manager will be reporting such issues to you, as and when they arise. It is in your best interest for your to give them your approval to fix them, as soon as you are informed.