At Taylor Property Plus, we believe that a well-maintained rental property benefits both tenants and landlords. As a tenant in Wellington, understanding your responsibilities can lead to a harmonious living experience and a positive relationship with your property manager.
For landlords, it’s about understanding your legal responsibilities regarding the upkeep and maintenance of your rental property and how you can help foster positive relationships with your tenants by investing in your property and ensuring it is well maintained.
Let’s dive into some essential tips for maintaining your rental home, preparing for inspections, and understanding landlords’ responsibilities under New Zealand law.
Tenant Responsibilities: Keeping Your Rental in Great Shape
As a tenant, you do have a responsibility to maintain your rental property to a reasonable standard. For most people, this goes without saying. At the end of the day, it’s you as tenants that have to live in the property so keeping it clean and tidy is usually something we don’t have to worry about.
Here are a few tips for maintaining your rental property as a tenant:
1. Keep It Clean and Tidy
One of your primary responsibilities as a tenant is to keep the property clean and tidy. This doesn’t mean you need to live in a showroom, but regular cleaning goes a long way in preserving the property’s condition.
Quick tips for cleanliness:
- Vacuum carpets and mop floors weekly
- Wipe down surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom regularly
- Clean windows and mirrors as needed
Whilst these may seem like basic tips, it’s amazing how quickly a house or apartment can get dusty and dirty without weekly cleaning like the tips listed above. It them becomes a major mission to deep clean so weekly on-going maintenance is the key.
2. Outdoor Maintenance
If your rental includes outdoor areas, you’re typically responsible for basic upkeep. This usually involves:
- Mowing lawns regularly
- Weeding gardens
- Keeping outdoor areas tidy
Remember, major landscaping or tree pruning is generally the landlord’s responsibility, so check with us before tackling any significant outdoor projects.
3. Report Maintenance Issues Promptly
As your property managers, we want to address any maintenance issues quickly. It’s crucial that you inform us immediately about any repairs needed. This proactive approach helps prevent minor issues from becoming major problems and demonstrates your commitment to caring for the property.
We have seen instances where issues have gone unreported and that issue has then escalated because it was tackled in a timely manner. The landlords that we work with are all very proactive and keen to avoid any major disasters in their rental properties which can come about if maintenance issues are not reported in a timely manner.
At Taylor Property Plus, we have a quick and easy Maintenance Concierge service which can be accessed via our website. This allows tenants to quickly and easily report any maintenance issues through our live chat tool and these can then be fed back to the landlord in a timely manner.
4. Respect the Neighbourhood
Being a good tenant extends beyond the property lines. Respecting your neighbours by keeping noise levels reasonable and following local regulations contributes to a positive living environment for everyone.
The best advice we can pass on to tenants is to treat the home as if it were your own, and this goes for the way you treat your neighbours, too. Whilst you might be a temporary resident of the house, who is to say you might not one day return to the street or neighbourhood when you get on the property ladder yourself?
Make sure you check out a recent post we wrote about the power of fostering relationships between tenants and landlords to understand why it is so important that both sides maintain a property.
Landlord Responsibilities: What You Should Expect
Under New Zealand’s Residential Tenancies Act 1986, landlords are legally required to maintain rental properties in a reasonable state of repair, ensuring they are safe, healthy, and habitable. This includes compliance with the Healthy Homes Standards, which set minimum requirements for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture control, and draught stopping.
Key Landlord Responsibilities Include:
General Maintenance: Ensuring plumbing, electrical wiring, locks, and structural elements are functional and safe.
Healthy Homes Compliance: Meeting standards for heating, insulation, and ventilation to provide a comfortable living environment. You can view a handy Healthy Homes checklist in a recent post.
Repairs: Addressing issues like leaks, broken windows, or faulty appliances promptly.
Outdoor Upkeep: Managing tasks such as gutter cleaning or tree pruning that fall beyond basic tenant maintenance.
If landlords fail to meet these obligations, tenants have the right to raise concerns with Tenancy Services or seek remedies through the Tenancy Tribunal. You can read more about rental property management compliance in a recent post.
Preparing for Inspections
Regular inspections are a normal part of tenancy and help us ensure the property is well-maintained. Here’s how you can prepare:
- Tidy up: Give the property a thorough clean before the inspection.
- Make a list: Note any maintenance issues you’ve noticed.
- Be available: If possible, be present during the inspection to discuss any concerns.
Remember, we’re required to give you at least 48 hours notice before an inspection, which will be conducted between 8 am and 7 pm.
The Impact on Your Tenancy
Maintaining your rental property not only ensures a comfortable living space but also strengthens your relationship with us as your property managers. It can lead to:
- For Tenants: A clean and well-maintained home ensures comfort and safety while strengthening your relationship with us as your property managers. It also increases the likelihood of lease renewals or positive references when you move on.
- For Landlords: A well-kept property retains its value and minimises costly repairs over time.
At Taylor Property Plus, we appreciate tenants who take pride in their rental homes. By fulfilling these responsibilities, you’re contributing to a positive rental experience for yourself and helping us maintain the property effectively for the landlord.
Remember, we’re here to support you throughout your tenancy. If you have any questions about your responsibilities or need to report a maintenance issue, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. Together, we can ensure your Wellington rental is a place you’re proud to call home.
