Commercial wear & tear
Question from Joanne updated on 30th November 2017:
I am a landlord of a commercial property with a standard deed of lease sixth edition. I am never sure who is responsible for what with regards to maintenance and our tenant tends to ask us to do everything - including changing a light bulb. They are currently asking for a tap washer and noisy pipe to be fixed - both of which I believe will have been caused by wear and tear and therefore be their responsibility. Is this the right view?
Our expert Bernard Parker responded:
Usually maintenance of the building resulting from wear and tear is the responsibility of the property owner. Light bulbs, though, are normally viewed as consumables that should be a tenant’s cost. However, I suggest you look at the specific provisions of your lease document to see how it addresses wear and tear.
Bernard is principal of Quinovic – Kapiti-Mana. Quinovic's outstanding people and systems provide the most professional, effective and reliable residential property management service in the NZ market for over 30 years.