Q: I’d like to sell my house privately. What legal obligations should I be aware of? A: If you’d like to sell your property privately rather than using a real estate agent, you are legally obliged to disclose any relevant information about the property (that you’re aware of) to potential buyers, including information … [Read more...]
Tenant liability for damages
Q: My flatmate damaged his/her bedroom before moving out and we’ve only just seen the damage. Who is liable for the repair bill? A: Regardless of how the damage was caused, it’s important to advise your landlord as soon as you become aware of it. If the damage was caused intentionally (e.g. your flatmate punched a hole in … [Read more...]
What every young couple should know about relationship property
Buying a house together is one of the most significant milestones in any young couple’s relationship. During this exciting time, the idea of a relationship breakdown or death might be the furthest thing from your mind, but it’s important to ensure that you’re prepared for the possibility of either of these situations from a … [Read more...]
Restraint of trade clauses
Job hunting? Before you accept that new job and hand in your notice, make sure you check whether there is a restraint of trade clause in your current employment contract. It is common in New Zealand to see restraint provisions in employment contracts that limit your ability to work for a competitor after leaving your job. … [Read more...]
What is the PPPR Act and how does it affect elder law?
As we grow older, keeping our independence is something that tends to weigh heavily on our mind. We value being able to go about our daily lives without feeling that we are a burden on family members and friends. When your independence is compromised through, say, the loss of your driving licence, it can make life less … [Read more...]
How to protect against relationship property claims
Relationship property is a complicated and ever-evolving area of the law. The key legislation in New Zealand, the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 (‘the Act’), is currently under review and many fundamental elements of the law may change in the near future. We will report on the review’s outcome in due course, but in the … [Read more...]
How to protect your assets when helping your kids buy their first home
In the face of record high property prices and tighter loan-to-value ratios imposed by the banks, it is becoming increasingly difficult for young Kiwis to buy their first home. As a result, many New Zealanders are turning to ‘the Bank of Mum and Dad’ for help, particularly to make up their cash contribution or for payment … [Read more...]
Can you dispute an ‘unfair’ Will?
“Where there’s a Will – there’s a relative!” Ricky Gervais Ricky is the master of the one-liner and is known for bringing humour to the most serious of topics, but have you ever considered what it would feel like to be left out of your parent’s Will? In New Zealand, if someone believes they haven’t been adequately … [Read more...]
7 things you should know about employment contracts
Almost everyone works as an employee at some point in their lives. In an ideal world, every employee would receive a contract from their employer and have it reviewed by their lawyer before signing the agreement and commencing employment. In reality, most employees don’t have the time or resources to seek legal advice … [Read more...]
How to avoid a tenancy dispute
Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, tenancy disputes can be costly, stressful and time-consuming. To avoid a dispute, it’s crucial to have a tenancy agreement and a solid understanding of your rights and responsibilities. Before renting a home, or entering into a tenancy, it is important to ensure you have a written … [Read more...]