Tenant Cancellation Dilemma: Your Rights and Next Steps for Landlords

When a tenant cancels a contractor visit, it can lead to frustrating delays and wasted call-out fees. Landlords need to know the specific rules in Wellington and Hawke's Bay to navigate these situations legally and calmly, ensuring maintenance is completed while respecting tenant rights.

Our latest article breaks down your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act and how to handle cancellations without breaching the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment.

• Clarify Access: Understand the strict 24-hour notice rule and the specific times landlords are legally permitted to enter a rental property for maintenance.
• Know Your Recovery Options: Discover the appropriate legal steps—involving the Tenancy Tribunal—to recover costs caused by repeated or unjustified tenant cancellations, and why you should never deduct costs from rent.
• Protect Tenant Rights: Learn why you cannot force entry if a tenant refuses access, and what procedural steps you must take to gain lawful entry through an order.
• Improve Communication: Find out how written notices, clear explanations, and a focus on building trust can prevent access issues before they lead to cancellations or disputes.

Are you confident you know how to proceed when maintenance is necessary and your tenant objects?

Read the full article here: Tenant Cancels Contractor Visit: What Landlords in Wellington and Hawke’s Bay Should Know