Articles and News

There are two types of tenancy agreements which a landlord and tenant can enter into: periodic tenancy and fixed term tenancy.

Whether you are purchasing your first home, family home, rental property or simply refinancing your property, it pays to remember the consequences of not keeping your rates paid and up to date with your local Councils.

A rural lease is a legally binding document which governs the relationship between the landlord and the tenant for the use of rural land.  Often rural leases are entered into as a gentleman's agreement, with a handshake to seal the deal.  This works fine until something goes wrong...

The division of relationship property is regulated by the Property Relationship Act.  The purpose of the Act is to set out some rules for the fair division of relationship property at the end of a relationship.

If you have never bought a property before, it can be an intimidating prospect.  We have broken down this process and highlighted some things you may want to keep an eye out for along the way.

A commercial lease can be a complicated agreement with binding implications for both the landlord and tenant.  Before you enter into a Lease, it is vital that you understand the rights and responsibilities...

Under the Fencing Act 1978, if a property owner chooses to build a new fence or refurbish an existing fence, the neighbouring property is expected to contribute 50% of the total price...

We regularly see clients treating lease agreements and tenancy agreements as being the same document. However, while both agreements are similar, it is important to understand the differences...

Property rates are due throughout the year.  Payments may be made six monthly, four monthly, three monthly, or annually.

Land covenants are standard in residential developments. They are essentially the rules that the owners and occupiers of land within the subdivision/development must abide by and they keep the area and properties within that residential area up to the standard hoped for by the developer and the buyers of properties in that area.

The Fencing Act 1978 prescribes the steps that a person must take before building a fence on or near the boundary with a neighbour.

Many kiwis will, during their lifetimes buy and sell property. The process of buying and selling is not as simple as one might think, and given the importance and value of the asset involved, property transactions necessitate a degree of complexity and care.

In certain circumstances Residential Land Withholding Tax (“RLWT”) is a tax deducted from proceeds of the sale of residential property.

A building owner needs to renew a building warrant of fitness (BWOF) every 12 months to prove that the building’s life safety systems (called specified systems) have been maintained and inspected. The BWOF is obtained by the building owner and provided to the Council, and must be displayed in the building in a visible place at all times.