Property manager not following procedures
Question from Rob updated on 13th May 2010:
I have an investment property with six small studio/apartment managed by a real estate company.
While our interest from the beginning of the contract was to target long term tenants, the real estate company kept selecting short term tenants, increasing their income with the letting fee, and not following proper credit procedure in the selection of tenants, causing several losses for unpaid rent.
Is possible to take the matter to the dispute tribunal and any precedent of this type of mismanagement?
Thanks
Our expert Jeff Montgomery responded:
The Residential Tenancies Act 1986 applies only to the relationship between a tenant and landlord. It doesn’t cover the relationship between a property owner and a property manager. I suggest you seek independent legal advice from your local community law centre about whether this is a matter that could be taken to the Disputes Tribunal.
The Department of Building and Housing provides information and guidance on building law and compliance, services including weathertight homes, and advice for tenants and landlords.
