Like you, we are bitterly disappointed about the first community outbreak in over 100 days and we all hope that this can be traced and contained quickly. However, we have been here before and as a team, we are fully aware as to what we can and cannot do at COVID Alert Level 2. Please be aware if we move to Alert Level 3 and beyond, we will send you further updates.
Below is a list of frequently asked questions in regards to rights and responsibilities all parties have. Naturally, if we have not answered your question, you can contact our team directly and we will endeavour to answer your questions.
- Will you still be doing routine inspections?
Yes, but we will be doing so under strict guidelines from the REINZ and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. Property Managers and tenants should adhere to physical distancing, personal hygiene and surface cleaning rules and should keep records for contact tracing purposes. However, if you do not feel comfortable with inspections being undertaken, please let us know and we can postpone the inspection.
- Will we be able to still get maintenance done on our property?
Yes, maintenance can still be logged on our website via https://tommysrentals.co.nz/maintenance-request/. If you are unwell, you need to notify us so tradespeople can ensure that they have the correct PPE. We recommend that you vacate the premises whilst maintenance is being undertaken.
- Can I give notice to end my tenancy?
Yes, you can but please ensure that you understand what type of tenancy you are on. Normal provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) will still apply and you can find this under section 51 of the RTA.
- Will you still be conducting rental viewings at Level 2?
Yes, we will but again, if you are unwell, please let us know and we will rearrange viewings. If you are vacating, we will still request access to carry out viewings but numbers will be limited and we request that you will vacate the property whilst the viewing takes place.
Contract tracing will take place for all of our viewings and will take place under social distancing rules with a maximum of 10 people per viewing.
We use 360-degree walkthrough tours for many of our properties and we will try to use this facility as much as we can to reduce the need for viewings.
- Will there be any changes in legislation such as rent freezes?
At the moment, there are no changes to the RTA in regards to COVID-19. Rents can increase again from the 26th of September. If you have received notification of an increase that is to come into effect post 26th of September, this will still take place. If you are struggling with rent payments, please discuss this with your Property Manager. Under normal circumstances, we have a strict rent arrears policy and this will continue to be our normal practice for the foreseeable future.
This will be another challenging episode for us all. If you need to talk about anything in regards to your tenancy or just need help, whether it is running errands, picking up shopping or anything else to help you in your tenancy, please let us know. I cannot guarantee we will be able to help but we will endeavour to do so.
Kia Kaha! we are here to help and support you. You can email me at david@tommysrentals.co.nz if you have any questions.
Regards
David Faulkner
General Manager
Tommy’s Property Management