15-05-2020

• More information on this announcement (Beehive website)
• More information on Alert Level 2 (central government website)

Information for landlords and tenants

What will change at Alert Level 2?

• Tenants are able to move to a new rental property. Removal companies can assist with moving, with some conditions: movers will have to comply with physical distancing, personal hygiene and surface cleaning guidance and should keep records for contact tracing purposes.
• Friends and family can help tenants move. If they are well known to the tenant, physical distancing procedures are not required. However, we recommend that personal hygiene and surface cleaning procedures are still adhered to and that those moving record the names and contact details of people who helped.
• In-person inspections of occupied or vacant rental properties can take place. Landlords and tenants should adhere to physical distancing, personal hygiene and surface cleaning guidance and should keep records for contact tracing purposes.
• Tenants cannot unreasonably refuse an inspection, however for those who are considered at risk of severe illness from COVID-19, that could be reasonable grounds for refusal. The list of people at risk of severe illness from COVID-19 can be found on the Ministry of Health website.
• Maintenance can be undertaken. Physical distancing and hygiene guidance should be followed when inside homes, including surface cleaning on the area that is being worked on. Records should be kept for contact tracing
• Open homes are permitted under Alert Level 2 with the tenant's consent as long as the guidance on physical distancing, personal hygiene and surface cleaning for Alert Level 2 is observed. Records should be kept for contact tracing purposes.
• The Real Estate Authority is developing guidance for in-person inspections for properties for sale and these guidelines should be applied to rental viewings. This guidance will be available shortly.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has information on what it means for landlords and tenants to move from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2:

• Summary of Alert Levels 2 and 3
• Questions and answers about Alert Level 2 (Ministry of Housing and Urban Development)

This page answers questions landlords and tenants may have during COVID-19:

• Tenancy Services COVID-19 (coronavirus) – information for landlords and tenants

Landlords and property managers can find up-to-date information for businesses on the business.govt.nz website.

More information on safe practices at Alert Level 2 is available on the WorkSafe website.