A new policy in terms of property management and tenants is being implemented in New Zealand. The country declared these changes to be implemented throughout the country. According to a past post by tenancy.govt.nz, "The Government wants to change the law so that everyone renting in New Zealand can live in safer, warmer and healthier homes."
Questions arise such as who will benefit the most? Will it be the tenants or the landlords? Gaspark earlier posted that "Changes in New Zealand mean that every rental property must reach specified insulation standards by July 2019 and have smoke alarms fitted." The changes will indeed benefit both parties. It will promote a sense of security for the tenants and at the same time enhances the landlord's opportunity for better business.
Housing minister Nick Smith has announced new rental regulations which all landlords must meet. Those properties that have were constructed with impractical to fit insulation will be exempted from the new policy. According to a past article by gaspark.co.uk, "The smoke alarms will become obligatory in July of next year but tenants will be responsible for replacing batteries and informing landlords of any defects that prevent the alarms from working." Gaspark further reported that, "Smith also outlined new powers to prosecute landlords for breaking tenancy regulations." It is chiefly focused on the risk to the health and safety of tenants.
The guidelines will permit tenants to take their apprehensions to the Tenancy Tribunal without the distress of experiencing retaliatory evictions. Gaspark also added that, "Under proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act, landlords will need to make sure their rental properties have ceiling and underfloor insulation that meets the new standard." The new policy will take effect starting from July 2016. Mainly for government subsidized social housing. For the all other rental properties, including boarding houses, it will take effect on July 2019.
