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Templates · 6 available

Letter templates

Ready-to-send written responses for the most common pressure points in NZ residential property transactions. Each template is grounded in specific statutes, professional conduct rules, or contract doctrine — and is designed to convert a verbal disagreement into a documented position. Copy, adapt to your specific situation, send.

How to use these templates

  1. Read the template carefully. The exact wording is deliberate. Replacing specific words with weaker ones reduces the template's effect.
  2. Adapt only the bracketed placeholders. [Date], [name], [specific facts]. Keep the legal references and the structural framing.
  3. Send in writing (email). Written communication creates the record. A phone call does not.
  4. Keep the reply. The agency's response — whether agreement, refusal, or evasion — is the next piece of evidence, whatever it is.
  5. Maintain a restrained tone. These templates are effective because they describe conduct factually and cite the applicable rule. They are not accusatory. Do not add accusatory language in adaptation.

Templates

Provider fee disclosure request

Sellers

Ask the agency to disclose, in writing, the amount invoiced vs amount paid for each agency-referred provider (inspector, photographer, stager). Under PCCC Rules 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 9.1 combined with REA Act s.134 and Fair Trading Act s.9.

Grounds: PCCC Rules 6.1/6.2/6.4/9.1 + REA Act s.134 + FTA s.9
Use when: Before sale closes. Any time you suspect an agency-referred provider has been invoiced to you at a markup.

Course-of-dealing pushback

Sellers

When the agency has taken a significant unilateral action (contacted your solicitor, drafted a vendor warranty, engaged a provider) without seeking your approval as they had on smaller matters. Cites course-of-dealing + REA Act Rule 9.1.

Grounds: PCCC Rule 9.1 + common-law course of dealing
Use when: After the unilateral action but before accepting the consequence. Written response that forces the agency onto the record.

Disclosure amendment request

Sellers

Four-part response to an agent-drafted disclosure document. Addresses items not sourced in the building report, items amplified in language, era-generic statements, and duplication.

Grounds: PCCC Rule 10.7 (known defects) + Rule 9.1 (best interests)
Use when: When the agency sends a draft disclosure document for your approval and you disagree with specific items.

"Required by law" clarification request

Sellers & buyers

When the agent says something is "required by law" or "required by management." Asks which specific Act, section, or rule applies, or whether it is internal agency policy.

Grounds: Distinguishes REA Act 2008 / PCCC Rules 2012 / agency internal policy
Use when: Any time the agent frames a request or requirement as legally mandated without citing the specific provision.

REA complaint skeleton

Sellers & buyers

Structured outline for a complaint to the Real Estate Authority. Organised by specific rule breach, documentary evidence, consequence, and requested outcome. Based on what actually succeeds at CAC.

Grounds: REA Act 2008 Part 4 + specific PCCC Rules
Use when: After conduct has been documented and an escalation path has failed or is unavailable.

Release from agency agreement request

Sellers

Request termination of a sole agency agreement before the exclusive period ends, on grounds of unsatisfactory performance or breakdown of the relationship. Addresses introduced-buyer clauses and break-fee arrangements.

Grounds: Agency agreement contract terms + PCCC Rule 9.1
Use when: When the relationship with the agency has broken down and the exclusive period is not yet complete.