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Property Management
David Faulkner
Fake Reviews make Real News!

The New Year has started were the old one finished off. Property Management companies in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. This time the Te Aro branch of Quinovic is back in the news following revelations that many of the reviews online are fake. Stuff.co.nz journalist Dileepa Fonseka released the story on the 20th January and many individuals working for Quinovic franchises up and down the country must have thought ‘not again!’ when it appeared. This branch seems to be doing their best to commit commercial Hari-kari following their terrible faux-pas with the now infamous ‘Your Tenants may hate but you will love us’ advertising campaign. Unfortunately, it looks like they have failed to learn their lesson.

Fake Reviews make Real News!
Property Management
David Faulkner
2018 The good the bad and the ugly

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.

2018 The good the bad and the ugly
Legislation
David Faulkner
Rising rents on the horizon as Government ...

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.

Rising rents on the horizon as Government policy kicks in
Legislation
David Faulkner
Fixed on change. Why tenancy reform will ...

Almost twelve months on from the formation of the Government, the changes around tenancy reform in New Zealand are coming thick and fast. Make no mistake, change is coming and particularly around the security of tenure. A case I dealt with recently highlights why tenants need more security.

Last week I received a call from a Property Manager last week asking for some guidance. The situation arose after a tenant was given 90 days notice to end the tenancy.

Let me explain the scenario for you that many of you reading this will probably relate to this story.

Fixed on change. Why tenancy reform will benefit New Zealand
Legislation, Property Management
David Faulkner
Church Preaches 'Game Changer' As Calls For ...

Never before has our industry come under such intense scrutiny as it has right now. Whether it be tenant groups, politicians, the media or the oppressive Tenancy Compliance and Investigation Team, everyone wants to attack Property Managers. In fairness, we seem to be giving them plenty of ammunition and the latest faux pas by a Wellington-based Property Management company was embarrassingly distasteful. One wonders what they must have been thinking? 

With all the negative publicity and an increasingly vocal call from all parties to regulate our industry, it is now a case of when the regulation of our industry will happen rather than if.

Church Preaches 'Game Changer' As Calls For Regulation Intensify

Property Management

2018 The good the bad and the ugly

2018 The good the bad and the ugly

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.

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Church Preaches 'Game Changer' As Calls For Regulation Intensify

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Church Preaches 'Game Changer' As Calls For Regulation Intensify

Never before has our industry come under such intense scrutiny as it has right now. Whether it be tenant groups, politicians, the media or the oppressive Tenancy Compliance and Investigation Team, everyone wants to attack Property Managers. In fairness, we seem to be giving them plenty of ammunition and the latest faux pas by a Wellington-based Property Management company was embarrassingly distasteful. One wonders what they must have been thinking? 

With all the negative publicity and an increasingly vocal call from all parties to regulate our industry, it is now a case of when the regulation of our industry will happen rather than if.

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The Broken Dreams of Renters United

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The Broken Dreams of Renters United

On Wednesday the 11th of July, Renters United launched their 'Plan to Fix Renting' and it grabbed plenty of media attention. This small group of volunteers have certainly been successful in drawing plenty of attention to themselves and whether you are a tenant or a landlord, you have to hand it to them they are extremely well run and have some prominent public figures backing their cause.

At the launch, they had Philippa Howden-Chapman of Rental Warrant of Fitness fame presenting and supporting them. They also had Sam Huggard of New Zealand Council of Trade Union presenting and Labour MP for Rongotai Paul Eagle was present as well. 

Property Management Industry: Under the Spotlight

Property Management Industry: Under the Spotlight

Property Management Industry Under Scrutiny After Media Attention

Well Being of Property Managers Must Be Number One Priority

Never before has the Property Management industry come under such scrutiny. We have seen the industry attacked from all angles, whether it be Tenant groups, Consumer groups or the media in general. Unfortunately, some of the negative commentaries have been justified, highlighting issues around professionalism and integrity. 

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Unforeseen Consequences of a Utopian Vision

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Unforeseen Consequences of a Utopian Vision

Rent roll values could fall as Labour policies bite

Industry survey shows concern around new Government

Imagine a country were nobody is homeless. Imagine a country where nobody has any social issues such as drug addiction or alcohol abuse. Imagine a country where every kid goes to school with shoes on their feet after eating a breakfast and then come home to a loving family where they get a warm healthy meal every evening.

2017, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

2017, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

It is hard to know where to start in a year where property and in particular the renting, has featured so much in the limelight. In our final blog of 2017, we will summarize on what we believe is the good, the bad and of course, downright ugly. 

The list we provide comes in no particular order and is purely our opinion, however, we would love to hear your feedback on what has been without a doubt, an intriguing year. First of all, lets keep it positive and start with the good.

Methamphetamine Survey Results Released

Methamphetamine Survey Results Released

We had a very strong response with exactly 100 people taking part in our short survey on Methamphetamine and whether Property Managers should be carrying out testing.

The results clearly show that nearly three quarters of you believe it is a clear conflict of interest for a Property Manager to carry out Meth testing.

However, when we asked if you thought it was safe to live in a property with a reading of 1.5 micrograms per 100cm2 (new standards), you weren't so sure. Even so the majority of you believe it was safe to live in at 58%. 

24% did not know and only 18% were not prepared to live in a house which was contaminated under the new standards.

Tragedy Highlights Risks In Property Management

Tragedy Highlights Risks In Property Management

I enjoy writing about the Property Management industry. It is an industry that I am extremely passionate about. Words normally come easy to me but the tragic circumstances around the shooting and killing of Property Managers Wendy and Natanya Campbell by tenant Quinn Patterson, left me feeling numb and struggling to find words.

A man has lost a wife and daughter, a community is in shock and our industry is struggling to understand how such a terrible incident could have happened.

However, as awful as the news was, I have to admit I was not entirely surprised.

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New Meth Standards Will Solve Nothing Until Practice Notes Issued

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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.

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Don't overlook the 'mature' candidate when recruiting

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Don't overlook the 'mature' candidate when recruiting

It's a tough world out there, especially if you find yourself in the 'mature' age bracket and in the position of looking for employment.  Now that I find myself in the mature category it has become more apparent how we are looked upon or overlooked when finding ourselves back in the job market. One thing I would advise is don't write off those mature people who come with bags of work and life experience.

 

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How to Recruit your Next Superstar Team Member

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How to Recruit your Next Superstar Team Member

Recruitment of your next staff member is often left till the last minute, done without prior planning and with the idea that it's cheaper and more effective to do yourself.  Companies are often in a hurry to recruit therefore take the 'best out of a bad bunch' approach.  Employees are the biggest and most important asset of any company and therefore deserve a robust and clearly defined process and to aid in the process there are some vitally important elements to consider ensuring you attract and recruit the next superstar for your team.

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Government announcement around changes to Residential Tenancies Act:

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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.

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Insurance Giant Take Firm Stance on Meth

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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.

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The Landlord Strikes Back

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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.

2017: More Properties Managed By Less Companies

2017: More Properties Managed By Less Companies
  • Prediction that more landlords will turn to Property Managers but more companies will sell as compliance costs hit hard
  • Regulation of the Property Management industry a necessity but will anyone listen? 

As we return to work from our Christmas and New Year break, many of us will be wondering what will lie ahead for us in 2017. 

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