The Residential Property Managers Association of New Zealand (RPMA) is encouraging property managers and landlords to distinguish between minimum insurance requirements and professional best practice following confirmation that some insurers now accept routine property inspections being undertaken every six months. 

RPMA Chairman Tony Mitchell says while insurance policy requirements are an important consideration, they should not determine the standard of professional property management. 

"Insurance requirements represent the minimum needed to satisfy an insurer's policy conditions. Professional property management should always aim higher than the minimum." 

RPMA continues to recommend routine inspections every three months as industry best practice for the majority of residential tenancies. 

Regular inspections allow property managers to identify maintenance issues before they become costly repairs, ensure Healthy Homes obligations continue to be met, monitor the condition of the property, identify potential tenancy concerns early, and maintain regular communication with both landlords and tenants. 

"The value of routine inspections extends well beyond insurance. They are one of the most effective tools property managers have to protect a landlord's investment while supporting positive tenancy relationships," said Mr Mitchell. 

RPMA believes a consistent three-month inspection cycle provides an appropriate balance between effective property oversight and respecting tenants' quiet enjoyment of the property. 

However, the Association also recognises that experienced property managers should exercise professional judgement based on the circumstances of each tenancy. 

New tenancies, higher-risk situations or properties with a history of maintenance issues may require closer monitoring, while some established tenancies may warrant a different approach where appropriate. Regardless of the circumstances, RPMA believes inspection frequency should be determined by sound professional judgement rather than simply meeting an insurer's minimum 
requirements. 

"Professional property managers don't measure success by doing the least that is required. They measure success by protecting assets, supporting tenants and delivering confidence to landlords through consistent, proactive management."

 
As the professional body representing residential property managers throughout New Zealand, RPMA encourages landlords to engage qualified property managers who adopt recognised professional standards and risk-based decision making in managing residential rental properties.