06-04-2007

Sorting out simple tenancy problems

1. News
2. 2007
3. April

Presentation to the West Coast PIA by

Wayne Marriott

Team Leader Mediation (Southern Region) 

Notes by Jan Hains  

Wayne’s presentation covered

• Sorting out simple tenancy problems
• Online applications
• Consumer Build website
• Market rent information

Tenancy problems

Prevention of problems is the key.  This can be achieved by ensuring you have

• Pre-tenancy applications
• Copies of identification
• Alternative contact details

It is important to ensure your tenancy agreements are accurate and detailed.  In addition, here are some important steps to take in order to prevent problems in the future. 

• Keep records up to date
• Use 10 day letters Communicate with your tenants.

Tenancy Tribunal transactions online.

This online facility was made available in August 2006.  The website address is www.dbh.govt.nz and there is the facility to pay by credit card.  Paper copies of the screens and step by step instructions, which Wayne used in his presentation, are available at the WCPIA meetings.

Consumer Build website

Wayne recommended going to ww.consumerbuild.govt.nz for

• Reliable information about buying, building, renovating and maintaining homes.

This website

• Is a partnership between the Department and the Consumers’ Institute
• Is easy to use
• Guides people through the building process
• Has a new section on maintenance

Market Information

Information about market rents is available on www.dbh.govt.nz/market-rent.

Information is taken from bonds received within the last six months to

provide an indication of the weekly rent charged in areas throughout New Zealand. (This information is updated every month.)