Since 2016 there are many new legal responsibilities that landlords must comply with. Most have the potential for large fines for non-compliance, and since these fines are often paid to the tenant they have an incentive for them to 'go for it'. Also MBIE are now advertising these issues to inform tenants.
Below is a list of areas where compliance is now an issue.
New requirement for disclosure statement for all new tenancies. Changing disclosures from July 2020. Fully active from July 2021.
Heating: Assessments for all properties are required and normally this requires the installation of Heat Pumps.
Insulation: Requires checking and certification up to 2008 standards.
Ventilation: Kitchens and bathrooms require compliant fans and extractors.
Drainage & Drafts: Adequate drainage must be ensured and drafts stopped (including chimneys).
Moisture Barriers: Checking install requirements and ensuring barrier installation.
Wholesale changes to notice periods, removal of 90 terminations, fixed terms converting into period tenancies, approved reasons for terminations, and many more including a raft of new fines and penalties (mostly for landlords of course)
Ensuring compliance with the new standards for ceiling and floor insulation, ensuring correct insulation statements are including with all new tenancies, as well as keeping update with the latest interpretations coming out of the Tenancy Tribunal. e.g. what is a habitable space and implications for internal garages.
New requirements for insurance disclosures, resulting additions to Tenancy Agreements, implications for potential illegal dwellings, and meths testing issues.
New procedures for record keeping and storage of compliance documentation to ensure an acceptable response to MBIE Compliance departments 'fishing expeditions'.
Ensuring changes to 10 year battery smoke alarm models, checking that alarm locations inside the dwelling comply with regulations, and ongoing testing. Oh, and lets not forget making sure they are positioned in the correct locations.
Awareness of new regulations and the risk assessments required. Arranging for Asbestos Management Plans with larger renovations.
H&S plans for larger maintenance. PCBU compliance and safety management documentation/plans for tradespeople.
Updated processes to comply with the latest Privacy Commissioner guidelines for tenant selection, assessment, and avoidance of discrimination and breaches of Privacy Act.
They keep on coming... it's a brave new world for landlords.