How Often Should You Inspect Your Property?

You can't just hand over the keys and forget about the house for a year. You need to check in on it to make sure the tenant is looking after the place and to catch small repairs before they become big, expensive problems. But you have to follow the rules.

The Rules of Routine Inspections in NZ

• The Timeline: Under NZ law, you can inspect the property up to once every four weeks, but generally, inspecting every 3 to 6 months is standard and what most insurance policies require.
• Legal Notice: You cannot just show up unannounced. You must give your tenant at least 48 hours' written notice (and not more than 14 days' notice) before you enter the property. You can only enter between 8 AM and 7 PM.
• What to Look For: Look for water leaks under the sinks, check that the smoke alarms are working, look for signs of dampness or mould, and ensure there is no unapproved damage to the walls or flooring.

The DIY Headache

Let’s be honest: it is incredibly awkward to walk through someone else’s living space while they watch you. Plus, inspections eat up your weekends, and if you don't have a background in maintenance, you might miss the early warning signs of a leaking roof or a failing hot water cylinder.

Why You Should Use a Property Manager

Routine inspections shouldn't ruin your weekend. First Door conducts regular, thorough, and fully legal checks to catch small issues before they become expensive repairs. We keep an eye on your house so you don't have to.