Publications

We produce a range of articles, legal publications and resources on a wide range of legal subjects and hot topics critical to our clients needs. These include briefings on key legal issues, newsletters on practice areas and industry developments via the below headings.

Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill – summary of key changes

The Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill passed under urgency on 5 August 2020. It will now be sent for Royal Assent to become law. The Bill makes significant changes which landlords of residential properties will need to be aware of. These changes are due to come into force six months after the More »

COVID-19 and construction contracts

As of 26 March 2020 it is only essential services on site construction work that is permitted to continue. This is defined as works which: relate to essential services e.g. hospitals and supermarkets; relate to critical infrastructure; or are needed to maintain human health and safety at home or More »

Tax issues that may arise on renegotiation of leases

Commercial landlords and tenants across New Zealand are currently negotiating changes to lease terms, including in relation to rents. While tax considerations are unlikely at the present time to be a priority, the outcome of these negotiations may have a tax timing impact and be either advantageous More »

COVID-19 Alert Level 4 and Commercial Leases

As the country entered into an Alert Level 4 “lockdown” at 11:59 on Wednesday, 25 March, landlords and tenants of commercial properties are asking questions about what this means for their leases. Under Alert Level 4, many tenants will be unable to run their businesses from their More »

When the rent stops

The market over the past 12 months has seen a lot of new and exciting businesses being created and taking spaces in the city as well as some well-established businesses unexpectedly fail. The failure of any business has wide reaching implications including affecting leases. At the start of a lease More »

Caveats explained

The word caveat is Latin and translates to “let him or her beware”. A caveat can be lodged against someone’s property title to protect the lodging party’s right or interest in the property and it prevents the registered owner of the property from selling, mortgaging, and More »

What to know when building a house with a building company

Building a house can be a stressful, expensive and intimidating prospect for both new and experienced customers. As such, ensuring you are aware of not only your rights and obligations, but also those of the builder, is crucial. Prior to even hiring a builder, you should complete your own due More »

An overview of mortgagee sales

If you buy a property at a mortgagee sale, be aware that you are entering a contract that is quite different in its nature to an agreement entered into in other circumstances. The agreement is likely to be weighed heavily in the mortgagee’s favour because mortgagee sales involve factors More »

Rental property standards

The Residential Tenancies Act 1986 requires landlords to provide and maintain rental properties in a reasonable state of repair for the tenants. When deciding what is a ‘reasonable state of repair’ one must consider the age and character of the property and how long it’s likely to More »

Unit title developments – adding real value

Unit title developments are becoming increasingly common as cities grow and become more high density. We identify some key areas where real value can be added to both new and existing unit title developments. Voting rights While surveying, planning and fire safety requirements are dealt with during More »

Repair covenants in leases: get it right

A recent case¹ has again highlighted the importance of clear drafting in relation to lease provisions and the danger of not documenting these correctly, relying on standard forms or covenants implied by statute. One of the common areas for disputes between landlords and tenants both during the More »

Earthquake prone buildings – a new era approaches

The new national framework for managing earthquake prone buildings ( EPBs ) is effective from 1 July 2017. This brings with it a national register, new forms of EPB notice that must be displayed prominently on all EBPs and set timeframes for assessment and strengthening. The Building (Earthquake More »

Earthquake update: key issues businesses need to consider

Business interruption The most relevant types of insurance for affected businesses will be material damage cover (which applies to physical damage to property) and business interruption cover (which applies to financial loss consequent on physical damage to property). Business interruption More »

In the press: P contamination in residential homes

This week the Herald highlighted the increasing problem of P contamination in residential properties throughout New Zealand. The Herald went as far to argue it could rival the leaky homes disaster, and whether or not this is true, the issue is seemingly on the rise. Housing New Zealand spends $12 More »

Property Investment In New Zealand

New Zealand can offer excellent opportunities for property investment and development. What should you be aware of when looking to invest in property in New Zealand? Download here More »