Landlords can enter the property for inspections

If you are a landlord, it is a good idea to regularly inspect your rental property. Inspections help you check everything is working well, there is no damage, and your tenants are keeping things reasonably clean and tidy.

It is also important to note that some insurance providers require the landlord to prove that regular property inspections are taking place.

More information on property insurance

Timeframes for property inspections

Inspections can occur between 8am and 7pm for rental properties, and between 8am and 6pm for boarding houses. The maximum frequency for inspections is once every 4 weeks.

Notice of an inspection must be given to the tenant at least 48 hours before the inspection (or at least 24 hours for boarding houses). This should not be more than 14 days in advance.

If a landlord is testing the property for methamphetamine, at least 48 hours’ notice needs to be given to the tenant. For a boarding house, 24 hours’ notice is required. The landlord needs to provide the test results in writing to all existing tenants within 7 days of getting them.

General information for property inspections

The tenant does not have to be present during inspections, but the landlord should ask if they want to be. If the tenant is not going to be present, the landlord can ask them to leave a note of any specific things they want checked. This can help alert the landlord to any maintenance issues.

The landlord should always bring a camera and the property inspection report that was completed at the start of the tenancy (part of the tenancy agreement). They can then refer to the report when asking the tenant about a repair or maintenance issue. Landlords should take photos in case the matter is disputed at a later date.

If the landlord takes any photos during an inspection, they should be careful not to include the tenant's belongings if this is possible.

Landlords should be courteous during property inspections. They should give the right notice, choose a suitable time and day, and encourage feedback from the tenant.

The first inspection of a tenancy is important as it will help set expectations between landlords and tenants for future inspections.

Initial property inspection

Some matters may also require specific guidance to address or resolve:

Smoke alarms in rental properties

Guidelines on meth contamination

If a reinspection is required

If the landlord has agreed with the tenant that they will fix something or clean something by a certain date and they need to go back to make sure they have done it, the landlord can reinspect the property by giving the tenant the correct amount of notice (48 hours as above, or 24 hours for boarding houses).

Making the rental safer for young children

Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, you can play a part in making your rental home safer for young children. Start by going through the home to identify any blinds or curtains with long or looped cords that are within a child's reach or near furniture they can climb on.

The rental home can be made safer for young children by replacing or removing any window coverings with cords, using a tension device to keep cords safe, retrofit cords to make them safer and keep all cords out of reach.

Tension devices (also known as "cord tensioners") are available from hardware or window furnishing stores. This is a minor change that is cost-effective and can make a great difference towards safer homes for children.

More information on Blinds and window shades with cords(external link) – Product Safety New Zealand

If you are a tenant and want to install a cord tensioner or a cord cleat, you can make a minor change request to your landlord. Landlords must not decline a request for a minor change and have 21 days to respond. If you are a property manager or landlord, you can include a safety check in your regular property inspections.

Making changes to a rental property