The Government is eyeing a law change to clarify when tenants must pay for damage to rental properties.
Building and Housing Minister Dr Nick Smith's proposed changes would make tenants liable for damage caused by carelessness or negligence, up to the value of four weeks' rent.
It follows push-back from the NZ Property Investors Federation, which has argued the current law is making it nearly impossible for landlords to claim costs for accidental damage caused by tenants.
In a recent decision the Tenancy Tribunal ruled a woman should pay nearly $1000 to their landlord for damage to carpets and curtains after she left five cats shut in a room in her Wellington rental.
Read more:
• Landlords struggle to claim on tenants' accidental damage
• Rental property damage: Landlords liable, court rules