Renovating tenanted property?

Gary asks:
(updated on Monday, August 26th 2013)

I am looking to purchase a tenanted property but want to do some upgrade work on it. Work would have a disruption factor to tenant. What are some issues when upgrading a tenanted property? It would seem to be easier to buy on vacant possession, upgrade and re-let?

Our Experts Answer:

You haven’t indicated what upgrade work you want to do. Is it minor or is it major? How long will the work take? You have indicated that it would be likely to cause disruption for the tenant. You have a right to do necessary maintenance while a property is tenanted but you must make reasonable arrangements with the tenant so that they aren’t disturbed too much. How would you like to have someone upgrading your house while you’re living in it? I think you’ve really answered your own question. If you upgrade a vacant property you won’t be upsetting tenants, you’ll be able to get the work done at your own pace and when you’re ready to re-let you will be able to review the rent before advertising for a new tenant. Definitely the tidiest and least stressful way to go!

Heartland Bank - Online 6.69
SBS FirstHome Combo 6.74
Wairarapa Building Society 6.95
Unity 6.99
Co-operative Bank - First Home Special 7.04
ICBC 7.05
China Construction Bank 7.09
BNZ - Classic 7.24
ASB Bank 7.24
ANZ Special 7.24
TSB Special 7.24
Unity First Home Buyer special 6.45
Heartland Bank - Online 6.45
China Construction Bank 6.75
TSB Special 6.75
ICBC 6.75
ANZ Special 6.79
ASB Bank 6.79
AIA - Go Home Loans 6.79
Kiwibank Special 6.79
BNZ - Classic 6.79
Unity 6.79
Westpac Special 6.39
China Construction Bank 6.40
ICBC 6.49
SBS Bank Special 6.55
Kiwibank Special 6.55
BNZ - Classic 6.55
Co-operative Bank - Owner Occ 6.55
ASB Bank 6.55
AIA - Go Home Loans 6.55
TSB Special 6.59
Kainga Ora 6.99
SBS FirstHome Combo 6.19
AIA - Back My Build 6.19
ANZ Blueprint to Build 7.39
Credit Union Auckland 7.70
ICBC 7.85
Heartland Bank - Online 7.99
Pepper Money Essential 8.29
Co-operative Bank - Owner Occ 8.40
Co-operative Bank - Standard 8.40
First Credit Union Standard 8.50
Kiwibank 8.50