Property maintenance
Landlords must provide and maintain rental properties in a reasonable state of repair. This means making sure they’re safe and healthy to live in.
Important COVID-19 information
When carrying out maintenance, care must be taken to not violate any Alert Level rules or Ministry of Health Guidelines.
Alert Level 4
During Alert Level 4 landlords must not visit their tenants. At Alert Level 4 tradespeople can carry out urgent repairs where there is an immediate risk to health and safety.
Alert Level 3
At Alert Level 3, landlords should get the tenants' consent before doing any maintenance. Tradespeople may enter people’s homes to do any repair or construction work, however physical distancing must be maintained and hygiene measures followed. Records should be kept for contact tracing purposes.
Landlords and tenants should discuss and agree on access requirements for any repair or construction work. Tenants who have genuine concerns about access into their home during this time should talk to their landlord. For example, if they or someone they care for are at higher risk from COVID-19.
If the maintenance or repairs are not urgent, landlords and tenants may agree to have the work completed at a later date.
Do not invite people to your home for maintenance if you or anyone in your household is unwell or self-isolating.
Alert Level 2
At Alert Level 2, maintenance can occur. During maintenance, physical distancing must be maintained and hygiene measures followed. Records should be kept for contact tracing purposes.
COVID-19 information for landlords and tenants
Landlords must follow all relevant legislation
Landlords must meet all legal building, health, and safety requirements. This means keeping the plumbing, electrical wiring and structure of the house safe and in working order. This includes making sure that locks and fastenings work too.
WorkSafe has more information on the health and safety obligations for landlords.(external link)
In this section
Landlords and tenants are both responsible for keeping the property in good condition.
Tenants must get consent before making changes to the property.
Landlords must manage any asbestos-related risks when work is being done at their property.
Tenants and landlords are responsible for different tasks in the grounds of a property.
Find out who is responsible for installing and maintaining digital television, phone and internet services.
