Using licensed practitioners for your property
Using licensed practitionersIt’s important when carrying out maintenance or renovations to use licensed practitioners, where required. Hiring licensed builders, electricians, plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers helps make sure the work is done correctly, adheres to safety standards, and meets legal requirements. Using unlicensed tradespersons may affect your insurance and could end up costing you more money if the work needs fixing later. It could also mean you are in breach of your legal obligations.
Checking a practitioner is licensedWhen engaging licensed practitioners, an easy way to confirm they are qualified and competent to perform the work, is to see their professional ID card. That way you’ll know they are qualified and competent to perform the work, and that it will meet the relevant trade standards.Licensed building practitionersIf you’re planning building work on your property, the required work will need to be assessed. A Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) will determine if the work required is Restricted Building Work (RBW) or not. This means work that is critical to making a home structurally sound and weathertight. If the work is RBW, it needs to be designed by a Licensed Building Practitioner and the work also needs to be supervised or completed by an LBP to meet legal requirements.
Electrical workersLandlords are prohibited from doing any fixed wiring work including fitting of power points on properties that they are renting out. It’s important to use a licensed electrician for safety and to meet legal requirements.
Plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayersIn New Zealand, sanitary plumbing, gas fitting and drain laying work is restricted and can only be carried out by tradespeople who are registered and licensed to do so. Engaging unlicensed practitioners can void your insurance, compromise home safety, and increase the likelihood of leaks and costs from ongoing issues.Harcourts property managers work with licensed and skilled tradespeople and can manage any required repairs at your rental property. We understand the importance of strong relationships with trusted tradespeople which deliver results for our clients with quality workmanship and competitive pricing.
