October 2024
Reading Time: 2 Minutes
It is currently taking 4-6 weeks or more to schedule a Tribunal Hearing, even for current tenancies which are usually prioritised. We believe this delay may be attributed to a shortage of available rooms at the Auckland District Court due to ongoing construction work.
The current delay means that it is more likely that the bond will not fully cover arrears if a tenant stops paying. We recommend that landlords review their insurance policies to ensure they cover arrears or have some other "buffer" especially with the financial pressures in the economy. It's better to be prepared than be caught out if things go wrong and it is unlikely rent arrears cover can be added to a policy if a tenant is already in default.
Our specialist tenant debt landlord protection plan reduces the risk of owning a rental property and is available to all our clients for a nominal additional fee.
Immediately following receipt of a sealed order against the tenant of a property from the Tenancy Tribunal, Tenant Debt Guarantee will credit your property management account with an amount of up to $3,000 over the bond amount in total for:
If the Tenancy Tribunal order against the tenant exceeds $3,000, Crockers will pursue the outstanding debt on your behalf in the usual way.
Speak to your Crockers Property Manager for full details and further information on how to extend this cover to your rental home.
Tenancy cases are prioritised for scheduling based on the below categories:
Priority 1: Applications related to anti-social behaviour, abandonment, and assault.
Priority 2: Current tenancies particularly where there are rent arrears which may be increasing.
Priority 3: Vacated tenancies where the debt is not increasing because the tenancy has ended.
If tenants have abandoned a property, landlords can submit an 'expedited abandonment application.' It's important to note that landlords cannot regain possession of the property until the court officially transfers it back to them. This process can begin within 48 hours, provided the necessary criteria are met.
Read more about Attending a Tenancy Tribunal.
What makes our property managers different is the knowledge gained from years of experience, practical ability backed up by a seasoned team and a true commitment to looking after your place.
Call 0800 CROCKERS or Call 0800 2762 5377
