Role of property managers
Question from Ana updated on 28th July 2017:
Based on the new tenancy law, I have some questions:
1) What is the responsibility of a property manager?
2) What is the purpose of filling the landlord form, taking photos and signing with the tenant on the condition of house if the tenant is not required to pay anything?
3) How can be we assured that the tenant takes care during moving and moreover does not deliberately damage our property?
Our expert Bernard Parker responded:
A property manager assumes the role of a landlord. The duties of a landlord are detailed in the Residential Tenancies Act. You can find a copy of this Act online at www.legislation.govt.nz.
Your question about the “landlord form” is unclear. I assume you mean the tenancy agreement. Its purpose is to record the agreement that you have come to with your tenant about the tenancy. Rent details should be included in the agreement, specifying the amount and frequency of payments and also how much bond is required. Whether a deposit is required upon signing the agreement is completely up to the landlord and the tenant.
Finally, the question about being assured that the tenant will look after the property is purely over to the landlord. Checking references and finding a tenant’s track record are part of the process that a diligent landlord will go through to find the right tenant. A property owner who is unfamiliar with landlord duties should think seriously about engaging a property manager.
If you would like to find out more detail about the duties of a property manager I suggest you contact a professional property management company in your area and make an appointment to find out what services are offered and how the company can help you.
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.