Who pays for safety light?
Question from Helen updated on 18th July 2014:
I manage a commercial property in Auckland. The property is tenanted by a branch of a large off-shore retail chain. The tenant has requested that sensor lights be fitted to the exterior of the building and that speed bumps in the lane adjacent leading to the carpark be painted white to aid staff walking to their cars after dark. Is this the landlords obligation or the store's head office?
Our expert Juliet Robinson responded:
Normally a lease will specify the responsibilities of a landlord and those of a tenant. Sometimes it includes provision of safety improvements such as painted speed bumps. If this situation is not covered, I suggest you consider two questions. The first is how much does your tenant want to care for its own staff in providing safer and more secure after dark access? Second is how much do you want to keep good relations with your tenant? There is no right or wrong answer here. However, this is a situation that is best resolved by discussion between you and the tenant.
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