Insulation.

[Keys]

I have only just thought of this people. With the new laws regarding insulation in rentals, who checks the insulation in the properties at the end of the tenancy as part of the outgoing inspection?

The amount of money involved, I suggest it may be prudent to put it into outgoing inspections as anyone who disturbs or removes the insulation (for whatever reason) will cause our clients to incur a considerable expense.

[hawkeye]

Yes we had a lot of insulation around a manhole in a public area disappear one time in a large block of flats. We put a padlock on it after that!

[donna]

Wow I'd never have thought of that - not sure why they'd steal it though - a lot of trouble to go to and what do with it - sell it or install it in their next rental?

cheers,

Donna

[Keys]

I'm thinking moving it around to assist with growing things.

[mrsaneperson]

Would think it extremely unlikely and impractical for any tenant to remove the insulation. Its very labour intensive and the insulation is usually custom cut to a size suiting the rafters of the home its installed into. It is most often stapled in..

[Nice]

Opportunity for a whole new industry here !

"To save your Property Managers having to climb ladders and make a qualified decision on what is present, for only $100+ GST per year per property we will do the check for you to ascertain that your property has maintained its insulation standard . . . ."

Sounds easier than meth testing !

[mrsaneperson]

I like that one Nice .....Nicking hot water cylinders is more the rage, but only in unoccupied properties that is ..

[Perry]

I have only just thought of this people. With the new laws regarding insulation in rentals, who checks the insulation in the properties at the end of the tenancy as part of the outgoing inspection?

The amount of money involved, I suggest it may be prudent to put it into outgoing inspections as anyone who disturbs or removes the insulation (for whatever reason) will cause our clients to incur a considerable expense.

Keys point gets even more critical

Tenants of slack LLs one year away from 'free' $4000
28 July 2018

Tens of thousands of rental properties will not be insulated by the government"s deadline of July 1 next year, insulation companies are warning. And that could result in a $4000 pay-day for tenants who dob them slack landlords in.

All rentals must have ceiling and under floor insulation by mid-2019 following a law change introduced by former Housing Minister Nick Smith under the last National government. But Richard Arkinstall from the Insulation Association of New Zealand, which includes Pink Batts' maker Tasman Insulation, said a survey of its members indicated tens of thousands of rentals would not be insulated on time.

Landlords who fail to make the deadline could end up out of pocket. There's a $4000 penalty for landlords when the provisions kick in on July 1, Arkinstall said. The part that is not understood is that if the landlord is fined, that $4000 goes to the tenant. There's an impetus for the tenant to check, Arkinstall said.

Of course, regarding the item quoted that's in red, the least trusted profession in NZ would not bother doing any checking when sensationalising and scare-mongering - as it usually does.

Building design exceptions

Due to the design or construction constraints of some property types, it is sometimes either not physically possible to insulate or would require major renovations to do so.

Examples of types of properties that would meet exception criteria would be apartments where there is a habitable space above and below the apartment, houses constructed on concrete slabs where it is not feasible to install underfloor insulation, and homes with skillion roofs where there is no ceiling in place to install insulation above.

[artemis]

If owners don't or can't meet the deadline they have the option of (a) paying the fine (if tenants apply, and some will) plus insulating OR (b) 90 day notice / no fixed term renewal, insulate and relet. Bit of a no brainer.

The insulation date seems fairly well known, the max fine not so much.

[Perry]

Wouldn't it be so splendid if the heading was:
LLs of slack tenants one year away from 'free' $4000
Dream on, Perry!

[mrsaneperson]

The tenant gets the 4k? This is like the big carrot at the end of a stick!

[Sharon]

and for not having correctly worded statements. Note Adjudicators + MIBE taking punitive approach to even the most minor Insulation error. Smoke alarms the same but appears less of a penalty if removed by the tenant

[Perry]

Note Adjudicators + MIBE taking punitive approach to even the most minor Insulation error. Smoke alarms the same but appears less of a penalty if removed by the tenant.

You sound surprised?

That's why it would be better referred to as Tenant Services & the Tenants' Kangaroo Kourt.

[Keys]

Look to the wording of the fine criteria. Intent is one of the four.

IF the landlord does not intend to break the law, he hasn't. IE. If the landlord has ordered the insulation to be fitted and/or is on a waiting list. They are not in breach.

[Nic D]

Landlords - Start now!

In my very recent experience it's been a challenge to get insulation installation professionals to even turn up to measure & quote, let alone lock in an install date.

The most frustrating and time consuming trade I've dealt with as a landlord or privately.

Can't imagine the service improving as the deadline approaches.