The House of Inspiration

With the spread of Omicron in New Zealand and many households having to self-isolate for sometimes extended
periods of time, the ability to move house can be impacted.

There are five healthy homes standards that became law on 1 July 2019, with key compliance dates over the following four years. All rental homes need to comply with each of the standards by 1 July 2024.

Tenancy days start and end at midnight. Landlords and property managers must not demand that tenants leave before midnight on the last day of their tenancy.

New Zealand moved to the COVID-19 Protection Framework (CPF) on Friday 3rd December 2021, also known as the Traffic Light System. The traffic light settings may change depending on what action is required to protect the health system and at-risk populations. In all settings, property management services can go ahead, with some restrictions.

On Thursday 28 October 2021, the Government passed legislation that can restrict tenancy terminations when people are required to stay at home due to public health measures. The restrictions on tenancy terminations will be able to be switched on and off by Ministerial Order (a ‘COVID-19 tenancies order’) in response to public health measures which generally restrict people from moving house (for example, Alert Level 4 restrictions).

From 1 July 2021, landlords must ensure that their rental properties comply with the healthy homes standards within 90 days of any new, or renewed, tenancy.

The notice period that landlords and tenants must give to terminate a tenancy changed on 11 February 2021, and the notice period now depends on when a tenancy was granted, and the type of tenancy.

As the hot summer months approach, it is tempting to purchase a portable pool to cool off in. But before you do, there is important legislation that you need to be aware of with regards to pool gates and barriers. It is vital to understand that portable pools are treated the same way as other residential pools.

With the healthy homes standards heating up, many properties in New Zealand are being fitted with heat pumps. These are not only great for heating your home in the winter months but can also serve to keep cool in the hot summer season but, like most appliances, they require regular cleaning.

Landlords need to make sure a property is free from pests and tenants need to keep their house in a condition that doesn’t encourage pests. If you notice any signs of pests, you should let your property manager know and they can assist with a pest prevention and elimination plan.