On Tuesday 28 April, New Zealand entered alert level 3 for a minimum of two weeks. Some businesses have been able to resume operations with strict safety guidelines, leading an estimated 500,000 to go back to work in some form. For others, very little has changed with many still working from home, if able to work at all.
For rental properties, the implications of alert level 3 are very similar to what we experienced in April during alert level 4. Tenants are able to move with the help of moving companies, but social distancing guidelines must be followed and records should be kept for potential contact tracing. Regular property inspections are unlikely to occur but can be carried out in emergencies and Tenancy Tribunal hearings will be carried out remotely. One notable change is that during alert level 3, tradespeople may be hired to carry out maintenance or repair work on a property as long as the relevant public health measures are met.
During alert level 3, Quinovic continues to follow official Government advice and maintain regular communication with both landlords and tenants. We understand that there has been significant job loss throughout New Zealand, and we will continue to treat tenants with compassion and recommend they seek financial assistance from the Government if they are unable to make rent payments. You can find further helpful Covid-19 information for landlords and tenants on the Tenancy Services website.
New Zealand is in the midst of a colossal challenge with more difficulties to come. Although these are chaotic times, we strongly believe that it’s important to take a moment and collectively acknowledge the incredible work we have done as a nation. Stepping down to alert level 3 is a massive milestone and avoiding an overwhelming outbreak of Covid-19 is a feat to be proud of. From our homes to yours, we’d like to thank you for doing your part to unite against Covid-19. We hope you are taking care of yourselves and those around you, and we look forward to getting through this together
