The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Property Management in 2025
As we reach the end of the year, it is clear that 2025 has reshaped the property management landscape in New Zealand. Economic pressures, tightening regulations, and shifting expectations from both tenants and landlords have made this one of the most complex periods our industry has faced. Alongside the challenges, however, there have been meaningful wins and signals of positive change. Here is my take on the good, the bad and the ugly of property management in 2025, and what it means for the year ahead.
Despite the pressures, 2025 delivered several developments that will improve the rental experience for both landlords and tenants.
The long-debated issue of pets in rental properties has finally seen forward movement. This year brought a shift toward more balanced and tenant-friendly policies that acknowledge the role pets play in people’s wellbeing. More landlords are open to allowing pets, supported by clearer frameworks that help protect their investment. For the property management sector, this has been a positive step toward modernising rental practices and improving tenant satisfaction.
2. Clarity around methamphetamine contamination standards
One of the most significant regulatory wins has been the Government signalling its intention to introduce a single, consistent methamphetamine contamination standard. For years, the industry has navigated a confusing grey area that created anxiety, disputes and unnecessary cost. A clear national standard will reduce uncertainty for landlords, improve health and safety outcomes for tenants, and give property managers the consistency they need to act with confidence.
Not all regulatory or operational developments this year have been helpful. Some have added layers of complexity that make the role of a property manager harder rather than easier.
Healthy Homes remains an important framework for ensuring safe rental accommodation, but compliance processes have become increasingly over-engineered. Some providers are producing reports up to 60 pages long. This level of detail adds cost and confusion without materially improving outcomes for tenants. Compliance should be practical, proportionate and focused on delivering healthy homes — not paperwork for the sake of paperwork.
A standout frustration in 2025 has been the stance from the Tenancy Compliance and Investigations Team regarding rental signage. Property Brokers received a fine for using a QR code on a ‘for rent’ sign rather than displaying the price. The QR code linked directly to the online listing, where pricing was clearly shown. Despite this, TCIT deemed it insufficient. This interpretation feels unnecessarily bureaucratic and out of step with how people access rental information today. These types of rules create additional pressure and cost without meaningfully improving transparency for renters.
The most concerning trend in 2025 has been the rise in abusive behaviour directed at property management teams.
Rising abuse from both tenants and landlords
The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has heightened stress across the rental market. Unfortunately, this pressure is sometimes being directed at frontline property managers who are simply trying to balance competing expectations. We have seen an increase in verbal abuse, intimidation, and in some cases threats. This is deeply worrying.
While financial strain can create tension, abusive behaviour is never acceptable. Property managers provide an essential professional service, and protecting staff wellbeing has become a priority. This year we introduced additional support systems, safety protocols and training to ensure our people feel safe, supported and able to do their jobs effectively.
As we look toward 2026, one thing is clear: property management will continue to evolve as economic and regulatory pressures shift. We celebrate the progress made on issues like pets in rentals and methamphetamine standards, but we must also continue advocating for clearer, more balanced regulation and stronger protections for industry professionals.
Our hope for the year ahead is a more reasonable compliance environment, continued improvements for both tenant and landlord rights, and above all, a culture of respect. Property management is ultimately a people business. When everyone across the sector engages with empathy, professionalism and fairness, the entire rental ecosystem benefits.
