Rental Properties Cash Flow: No Excuses for Maintenance

TRANSCRIPTION

I want to talk about landlords’ and maintenance responsibilities.

Look, I get it. Cash flow can be limited when you own a rental.

I’ve been there myself as a property investor for over fifteen years. There are times when money’s stretched and you’re thinking carefully about every expense.

But here’s the thing: if you own a rental property, you have a responsibility.

You are required to maintain the property and address any repairs or maintenance issues that may affect tenants or cause damage, regardless of inconvenience or cost.

Savvy property investors understand this. They have financial resources available for this very reason. When a maintenance issue happens, they get it sorted. Because they understand that owning a rental property comes with obligations.

If something is not working when your tenant moves in, you are not necessarily required to fix it. But if it affects their use of the property, such as the oven, heating, or hot water, you must maintain it.

However, if an appliance or fixture is already working when tenants move in, you must keep it in good condition.

The law is clear and not open to interpretation. Tribunal cases across New Zealand have confirmed this. Once something is installed and working, whether it is a fixture or a chattel, it is your legal responsibility to maintain it.

Tenants get frustrated when maintenance is ignored. They notice it when basic upkeep is not done.

To be frank, if you are not willing to maintain a property, you shouldn’t own a rental. It really is that simple.

I hope that helps. We’ll catch you next time.

Making life easier for landlords is what we do.