[cappuccino]

I am moving out of my rental on 9th March and the tenancy officially ends on 15th March. My landlord doesn't know that I plan to move out on 9th but I voluntarily offered that he could bring prospective tenants through between 9th and 15th. He is saying that he wants the open home on Saturday 28th Feb. He worded his email such that he will sign off the inspection on that date only which would enable me to get my bond back.

Do I have to agree? I want to be using that weekend to pack up my stuff. Can he be awkward and hold it against me ie witholding part of the bond for some obscure reason? I feel backed into a corner and really don't like the idea of being forced out of 'my home' for the day of his choice when I have offered him a week when he could conduct the open homes.

I have very little contact with him for the 12 months I have been living here - he didn't even do a mid-lease inspection!

[JandM]

I suggest you consult the Department of Building and Housing. http://www.dbh.govt.nz/tenancy-index

Looking at this leaflet of theirs,
http://www.dbh.govt.nz/UserFiles/File/Publications/Tenancy/pdf/Tenant-and-landlord-rights-and-obligations-Samoan.pdf I very much doubt that he can actually enforce what he's trying to do, but with his hand on your money he thinks he's got the high ground. However, other forumites have said how the Department will actively help sort things out.

[dusk]

you don't have to be out of the house - I've been to rental open homes where the current tenants are watching tv in the living room while people wander around. Whether that helps you or not I'm unsure, just thought I would say :)

[BigRod]

Cappuccino,

He cannot enforce it:

The landlord can inspect the property
The landlord can inspect the property, but no more
than once every 4 weeks and only between the hours
of 8 am and 7 pm. They must tell you 48 hours before
they do an inspection.
The landlord can come inside to fix something
The landlord can come inside to fix something between
the hours of 8 am and 7 pm, but they must tell you at
least 24 hours before they do this.
The landlord can come inside if there’s an emergency
The landlord can come inside in an emergency, and they
don’t need to tell you about it before they come.

The landlord can’t come inside for any other reason
unless you say they can.

If the landlord wants to come inside for something that’s
not an emergency, they must ask you first. If they don’t
ask you, they may be breaking the law. If this happens
to you, talk to us.

The number to ring is:
0800 TENANCY (0800 83 62 62)

... BTW he cannot hold you to ransom over the inspection date / open home, and as you know Jade works for DBH!

Rod

[cappuccino]

Thanks guys. Well I have 'flicked' the landlord an email advising that 28th is not convenient as I will be packing up my belongings that weekend and am happy to have the open home anytime between 9th and 15th as originally suggested AND I want the final inspection on 15th not 28th!

I will let you know what his reply is :D

[SarahEDH]

It seems reasonable that a landlord might not want to do a "final" inspection 13 days before a tenant gives up possession of a property. This comment is not directed at you personally, but rather the general facts -- a lot could change in 13 days, and how would the landlord be protected if he/she had already signed off on the rental's condition?

[JandM]

It seems reasonable that a landlord might not want to do a "final" inspection 13 days before a tenant gives up possession of a property. This comment is not directed at you personally, but rather the general facts -- a lot could change in 13 days, and how would the landlord be protected if he/she had already signed off on the rental's condition?Things are the other way round. The OP wants the signing off on 15 MARCH, whereas the landlord wants it on 28th FEBRUARY.

[SarahEDH]

thanks JandM, I missed that --