There has been the first reading of the new Residential Tenancies Act recently and some of the changes that may affect you are as follows;
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Will increase the monetary jurisdiction of the tenancy tribunal and the penalties for breaches of the Act.
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Is proposing to limit tenants liability for damage caused recklessly or intentionally by them, or allowed another person to damage the premises to a maximum of 4 weeks rent.
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Clarifies responsibility for outgoings such as rates,insurance and water.
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Will allow exemplary damages instead of eviction for breaches such as, sub-letting, over populating or becoming a problem neighbour.
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Allows Property Managers to charge a letting fee..
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Tenants now commit an unlawful act if they unlawfully commit assignment or subletting and this comes with a maximum tariff of $1,000.
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Tenants now commit an unlawful act by abandoning a tenancy with the rent in arrears. This will mean landlords can now sue for exemplary damages in those circumstances and receive an award made up of rent arrears and exemplary damages up to $1,000.
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Updated 07/02/2011
Contact Murray: enquiries@opmltd.co.nz, ph 027 521 4262
