Update on Changes to the RTA

On Sunday 17 November, Associate Housing Minister Kris Faafoi announced the Government intends to proceed with its plans to make further changes to the 1986 Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) – notably removing the right of landlords to give 90 days’ notice to end a tenancy without cause.  This overhaul of the RTA has been in the pipeline for some time – and we have reported on this before - however it now looks certain it will come in the new year.  While details are not yet finalized, the changes proposed include:

• Removal of 90 days’ notice without cause
• Requirement for anti-social behaviour evictions to be determined by the Tenancy Tribunal
• Landlords required to provide three documented examples of anti-social behavior
• Notice period for eviction based on family use to be increased from 42 days to 63 days
• Notice period for eviction based on sale of property increased from 42 days to 90 days
• Rent increases to be limited to one per year
• Changes to penalties for breaches of the RTA
• Increase tenant’s rights to install reasonable fittings & fixtures to property

There has been a lot of comment and concern about the changes proposed.  Certainly there will be a significant impact on the workload of the Tenancy Tribunal – which already is subject to regular processing delays.

So what’s the good news?

The good news is, if you're a Point Property client, these changes will have a minimal effect.

Firstly, our Tenant Selection Process gives a thorough screening for all prospective tenants – to minimize the issue of anti-social behavior in the first place.

Secondly, our Property Managers are on site for every property every 3 months – so we are on top of what’s happening and documenting as we go.

Thirdly, we know how the Tenancy Tribunal works, and have the experience and expertise needed if we ever have to go there.

We’ve been anticipating this overhaul for some time – and when it finally lands next year we will be ready.

If you do have any concerns or questions about these changes – please don’t hesitate to contact us.  We will be in touch when any further news comes to hand, but in the meantime be rest assured your property is in great hands.