0800 REAL IQ

Legislation

Is 2018 The Year The Meth Myth Finally Gets Busted?

Is 2018 The Year The Meth Myth Finally Gets Busted?

At last! Someone with power and influence has the guts to come out say what we have been arguing for a long, long time. The 'moral panic' caused by certain Meth testing companies was instigated to make a quick dollar according to new Housing Minister Phil Twyford. Here at Real iQ, we wholeheartedly agree.

Back in early 2016, we held a webinar highlighting the alarming amount of companies being set up to carry out Meth testing, warning that the industry was nothing more than a money making scam.

Rental Warrant of Flopness

Rental Warrant of Flopness

First of all, let me start by stating that this is not an article beating up the people who have designed and implemented the Rental Warrant of Fitness. The intentions of these people are good and they are thinking of the most vulnerable of citizens within New Zealand. I also genuinely applaud the Wellington City Council for trying to get this off the ground. 

Tenancy Tribunal Wrecking Ball Decision Smashes Unsuspecting Landlord

Tenancy Tribunal Wrecking Ball Decision Smashes Unsuspecting Landlord

Decision by adjudicator leaves landlord $10,000 out of pocket

Tenant wins even though she sublet without consent

How many illegal tenancies are there?

On the 27th April 2017 at the Tenancy Tribunal in Dunedin, adjudicator Wilson made a ruling on a case that has sent alarm bells ringing and many think the ruling was grossly unfair.

Lets Ban This! The Letting Fee Gone If Labour Win

Lets Ban This! The Letting Fee Gone If Labour Win

Who would have thought six weeks ago that we were facing the prospect of a change of government?

Lifeless Labour were limping to an election defeat with its worst poll rating in modern history and prospect of a Labour lead government seemed like a huge improbability. Then all of a sudden, Andrew Little resigns and Jacindamania was born

New Meth Standards Will Solve Nothing Until Practice Notes Issued

New Meth Standards Will Solve Nothing Until Practice Notes Issued

Late last month the eagerly anticipated new standards around Methamphetamine contamination where released. This has come after a lengthy process which also involved a large amount of public submissions. Clearly, there is plenty of emotion that is involved around this hugely controversial topic. This was evident during the recent REINZ Seminar involving members of the panel that helped introduce the new standards. Included in the panel where Lisa Gerrard (REINZ), Darryl Thompson (Auckland Council), Miles Stratford (Meth Solutions) and lawyer Richard Hern.

Asbestos & Property Management.

Asbestos & Property Management.
  • Asbestos law changes the next big challenge for the Property Management industry
  • Responsibility for compliance may result in increase costs for landlords

New changes in the Health and Safety at work with regards to Asbestos could become the next big challenge that the Property Management industry needs to tackle.

Recently, Real iQ attended a REINZ Breakfast in Wellington where the keynote speaker addressed a room of Property Managers about pending law changes that will likely lead to more compliance being thrown on an industry already struggling to cope with changes to Health and Safety and the Residential Tenancies Act.

Government announcement around changes to Residential Tenancies Act:

Government announcement around changes to Residential Tenancies Act:

The Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill (No. 2) introduced to Parliament today will provide better protections and clarity for tenants and landlords, Building and Construction Minister Dr Nick Smith says.

“This Bill makes three practical changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to help ensure our tenancy laws better manage methamphetamine contamination, liability for careless damage and the tenancy of unsuitable properties. It builds on the changes we made last year requiring smoke alarms and insulation, and establishing a Tenancy Compliance and Investigations Team.

Insurance Giant Take Firm Stance on Meth

Insurance Giant Take Firm Stance on Meth
  • Over 220 Meth-Tribunal cases heard in 2016

  • IAG state total claims to be approximately $14 million in the last 12 months

IAG, one of New Zealand's leading insurance providers has drawn a line in the sand with regards to claims around Meth-contaminated properties and in our opinion, it leads us a step closer to compulsory Meth Testing for all residential rental properties in New Zealand.

The Landlord Strikes Back

The Landlord Strikes Back

Saying 'it was an accident' may no longer save tenants after a groundbreaking appeal decision went in the favour of a landlord. The Osaki case has caused many a headache for Property Managers and Landlords, but after this decision we may see some light at the end of the tunnel.