Stay in the loop with the BC Noticeboard - Your Body Corporate Quarterly Newsletter |
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- Welcome & Easter Office Closure Dates - Important Notices & Reminders
- Staff Update: Liz Ruscoe - Healthy Homes Compliance Deadline Approaching: 1 July 2025
- The Financial Cost of Ignoring Maintenance - Autumn Maintenance Checklist
- Stay Connected: Get weekly updates on our Facebook page! | |
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Welcome to the first quarterly BC Noticeboard of 2025! We hope this newsletter finds you well.
In this issue, we’re excited to introduce Liz, our new Body Corporate Manager. She has already made a positive impact on our team, bringing a wealth of experience and fresh insights to CBCS. We look forward to you getting to know her over the coming months. You can learn more about Liz and the value she brings to CBCS in the third section of this newsletter.
With 31 March now behind us, the Annual General Meeting season is in full swing. We’re currently working with chairs and committees to finalise dates that best suit each Body Corporate. If you haven't already, now is a great time to review past meeting minutes, familiarise yourself with key agenda items, and consider any issues or questions you’d like to raise. The Healthy Homes compliance deadline is also approaching on 1 July 2025. Be sure to check this section for key details to ensure your property remains compliant. As always, we’re here to keep you informed and to support you with any questions or concerns regarding your Body Corporate. If there’s anything you need assistance with, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Easter Office Closure Dates: As the Easter weekend approaches, the CBCS team would like to wish you all a safe and happy Easter.
Please note that, in addition to being closed for the Easter break (Friday, 18 April to Monday, 21 April 2025), our team will also be taking an extended break from Tuesday, 22 April to Thursday, 24 April 2025, with Friday, 25 April observed as ANZAC Day. During this period, our office will be closed.
This extended break gives our valued team members the opportunity to rest and recharge after an exceptionally busy start to the year.
We will resume normal business hours on Monday, 28 April 2025.
If you require urgent assistance during this time—such as in the event of a power outage, water leak, or lighting issue—please call 027 970 5435. For non-urgent enquiries, please email us at admin@cbcs.nz, and we’ll respond as soon as we return on Monday, 28 April. |
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IMPORTANT NOTICES & REMINDERS |
Overdue Levies:
A reminder that having overdue levies or outstanding amounts on your account will affect your eligibility to vote at upcoming annual general meetings. Additionally, it will prevent you from participating in the committee or becoming the chairperson.
We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise. If you find yourself facing overdue levies, we encourage you to reach out to us at finance@cbcs.nz. Our team is here to help and discuss potential payment plans to assist you. |
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Meet Liz, our new Body Corporate Manager! Liz is an expert in relationship management and a skilled HR professional. She excels at working with people, coordinating processes, and managing systems efficiently. Her experience spans multiple industries, including agriculture, recruitment, and retail. In her role, Liz is responsible for managing a range of critical administrative functions, including organising AGMs and EGMs, overseeing administration, and handling all correspondence. With her expertise in relationship management and keen attention to detail, Liz is committed to providing exceptional service and support. |
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| As your primary point of contact for all administrative matters related to CBCS, Liz can be reached on 04 970 5435 or at admin@cbcs.nz. |
HEALTHY HOMES COMPLIANCE DEADLINE APPROACHING - 1 JULY 2025 |
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The deadline is fast approaching: from 1 July 2025, all rental properties must comply with the Healthy Homes Standards. Until now, properties only needed to be compliant within 120 days of a new tenancy agreement being signed. However, soon, full compliance will be required across the board.
If your investment property isn’t already up to standard, now is the time to act. And if it is, maintaining compliance is just as important. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of the game. |
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Meeting and Maintaining Healthy Homes Standards:
Achieving compliance isn’t a one-and-done task. While getting the green light from an assessment is a great milestone, ongoing maintenance is key. Regular inspections and open communication with the tenant will help ensure your property remains in line with Healthy Homes requirements. A Quick Refresher on Healthy Homes Standards: If you need a reminder of what’s required, here’s a breakdown of the key standards: -
Heating Standard: The main living room must have a fixed heating device capable of heating the room to at least 18°C. A specific heating calculation determines compliance.
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Insulation Standard: Ceiling and underfloor insulation must meet the 2008 Building Code or, for existing insulation, have a minimum thickness of 120mm and be in reasonable condition with no dampness, damage, or displacement.
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Ventilation Standard: There should be sufficient openable windows in habitable rooms, and mechanical ventilation in all bathrooms and kitchens.
- Moisture Ingress and Drainage Standard: Properties must have adequate drainage and guttering to remove water from the dwelling, and if a rental property has an enclosed subfloor space, then it must have an on-ground moisture barrier.
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Draught Stopping Standard: Any gaps or holes in walls, ceilings, windows, floors and doors that cause unreasonable draughts, must be blocked. This includes all unused open fireplaces and chimneys.
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Compliance Documentation and Record-Keeping: Meeting these standards is one thing — you must record it and have supporting documents too. Tenancy agreements must include specific details about how a property measures up against each Healthy Homes Standard. A general statement of compliance isn’t enough — landlords need to back up their claims with proper documentation. This means keeping copies of invoices, photos, and the official heating calculation in case of a Tenancy Services audit.
If you haven’t already, we strongly encourage you to start assessing your property’s compliance and take the necessary steps to meet these standards before the deadline. For more information on the Healthy Homes Standards and landlord obligations, click the button below: |
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THE FINANCIAL COST OF IGNORING MAINTENANCE |
When it comes to property maintenance, the proverb "a stitch in time saves nine" rings particularly true. According to data from property management firms, buildings that neglect routine maintenance often face repair costs that can be four to five times higher than if they had maintained a regular schedule. Dealing with issues as they arise removes the luxury of time to shop around for competitive costings and contractors can inflate costs for work that is deemed urgent. |
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The financial cost of deferred maintenance goes beyond the obvious repair bills. For example:
• Increased insurance premiums – Insurance companies in New Zealand may raise premiums or even deny coverage for buildings with a history of poor maintenance.
• Loss of property value – Potential buyers and investors are quick to notice signs of neglect, and a poorly maintained property can reduce the overall value of the building and surrounding units.
• Higher energy bills – HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems that are not well-maintained are less efficient, leading to inflated energy costs.
• Health and safety liabilities – Unattended issues such as mould growth, water damage, or deteriorating structures can lead to serious health risks and legal liabilities if tenants are harmed as a result of the neglect.
Preventive maintenance is not just an expense—it’s a strategic investment that protects the value of New Zealand properties. For body corporate managers and unit owners, the cost of neglecting maintenance tasks is far too high. By embracing a proactive approach to building care, you can safeguard your property’s long-term value, reduce risk, and create a safer, more comfortable environment for all.
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Autumn is Here – Is Your Property Ready for the Cooler Months?
With the crisp air settling in and leaves beginning to fall, now’s the ideal time to prepare your property for the colder seasons ahead. A little maintenance now can go a long way in preventing costly issues later and ensuring your investment stays safe, warm, and in top condition.
Here are a few key tasks to add to your autumn maintenance checklist:
· Service heating systems
· Change heat pump filters
· Sweep chimneys
· Test smoke alarms
· Book a roof inspection
· Trim trees away from gutters
· Clear your gutters
· Pest-proof your home (especially against rats and mice)
Need help?
Did you know that we can help organise your property maintenance or provide personalised suggestions based on your property? Get in touch with us on 04 970 5435 to learn more. |
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