Wealth Buy Property New Zealand On Managing Tenants Problems
Notwithstanding the vetting process of new tenants, you would still encounter tenants that will cause problems is not paying regularly or not looking after the investment property.
The first line of approach is to directly discuss the issue with the tenant and to find an acceptable solution. In most instances the problem is resolved. One does, however, get some “hard nuts” that would ignore their obligations under the tenancy agreement.
wealth buy property explained the process below, how to proceed if the problem is not solved.
Wealth Buy Property: Tenancy Tribunal
Where the property manager and tenant cannot solve the matter themselves, the Tenancy Tribunal has been established under the Residential Tenancy Act 1986, to decide on these unresolved issues. As a first step it is helpful to phone the department’s helpline 0800-TENANCY to sort out the problem. It will provide a good indication of which direction the matter would go.
If the phone call does not solve the issue, the aggrieved party then makes application to the tenancy Tribunal and at the hearing an adjudicator listens to each party and at the conclusion makes a decision. The adjudicator’s decision is like a court order which must be obeyed by both parties. A landlord (property manager) or tenant may submit an application at a non refundable cost of $20.44. It is important to remember to be very clear in what order you are seeking. If you omit, for example, the refund of the bond, no order can be made. It is also important to include a request for a termination order, if the facts support it.
The Tenancy Tribunal will set a date for the hearing, and if the parties are in different towns or cities, swift telephone mediation will be arranged by a mediator. Both parties must attend the hearing and if the applicant does not appear, the application may still be heard in your absence.
Usually a decision is straightforward and you get a decision immediately. In some instances, if the issue is more involved, a written decision will be posted to you.
If the Tribunal Order is not obeyed, the applicant can then approach the bailiffs at the district court to assist with the enforcement of the order.
The Department of Building and Housing has a very user friendly website www.dhb.govt.nz that will provide easy guidance on every aspect of managing a rental property.
Wealth Buy Property New Zealand