Broken Washing Machine? Know Your Rights (and Responsibilities) for Rental Chattels in NZ!

Ever wondered who's on the hook when the washing machine in your rental breaks down? In New Zealand, the law is clear: generally, it's the landlord! The Housing Improvement Regulations (HIR) and the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) place the responsibility for maintaining and repairing chattels – those movable items like appliances and furniture – squarely on the landlord's shoulders.

Our latest guide breaks down everything you need to know about chattels in tenancy agreements:

• What Exactly Are Chattels? Get a clear definition and see common examples, from fridges to furniture, that fall under this category.
• The Law Laid Bare: Understand what the RTA and HIR say about the landlord's duty to keep provided appliances in good repair. (Plus, a link to learn about repair-related issues!)
• Landlords Can't Dodge Responsibility: Discover why clauses attempting to shift chattel repair costs to tenants are generally invalid according to recent Tenancy Tribunal rulings. (Check out more on common disputes!)
• The "Gifted" Exception: Learn the only way a landlord can transfer responsibility for a chattel to a tenant – by explicitly "gifting" it in the tenancy agreement.
• Fixtures vs. Chattels: Know the Difference: Understand which items are permanently attached to the property (fixtures) and who is always responsible for their upkeep.
• Crockers' Expert Advice for Landlords: Get practical tips on deciding which chattels to provide and the importance of being prepared for maintenance costs.
• Your Burning Questions Answered: Find quick answers to common questions about appliance repairs, the difference between chattels and fixtures, and the validity of limiting responsibility clauses.

Don't get caught out by confusion over chattels! Whether you're a landlord or a tenant, understanding these rules is crucial for a smooth tenancy.

Read the full guide here: Who Is Responsible for Chattels in Tenancy Agreements?