Where to start? I had the same problem this time last year when I did the same article. 2017 seems like a distant memory now as over the last 12 months, our industry has had everything thrown at it including a bucket of KFC!

In my time working within the Property Management industry and in particular the rental sector, I cannot think of a time when we have had so much upheaval. Saying that it has been a challenge is an understatement. We have a lot to look at so let’s not waste any more time. As ever, we would love your feedback along with your high’s and low’s of the year.

Last week, one of Wellington’s largest Property Management companies made the headlines for suggesting to landlords that they increase rents by $6 a week to recover the cost of the letting fee as they are forced into on charging it to the landlord. Many criticised Oxygen Property Management for taking such an approach however in our opinion, they were simply doing their job.

To expect a company not to try and recoup losses that their clients may face due to landlords absorbing the letting fee is utterly naive and delusional. If you believe that a landlord is not going to try and recover the costs from tenants then you are simply in denial or have no understanding about how business works.

Back In February 2018, the much anticipated Housing Stocktake of New Zealand was publish. This report which was commissioned by Housing Minister Phil Twyford back in November 2017 painted a sorry picture of the housing situation in New Zealand and in particular, for renters. The report was written by Alan Johnson of the Salvation Army. Philippa Howden-Chapman of Rental Warrant of Fitness fame, and Generation Rent author Shamubeel Euqab. The report is fascinating reading with many recommendations that we are now seeing in front of us through the Tenancy Reform Discussion document. Hopefully, you got a chance to make a submission.