Re: Not just a wall socket
(And if commentards know the rules that apply elsewhere, please feel free to educate us.)
My current understanding of NZ law is that it's perfectly legal for you to make changes to your house, but a tennant must always get permission from the landlord (even if they got the work done by a professional and certified). Some of the smart-meter installers could be in for headaches if anyone ever checked as it's likely the tennant requested the meter NOT the owner, and without the owner's consent.
However, if any mods you (or a tennant) make cause issues, your insurance is not required to pay out (having certification is another matter of course). And being the wonderful, helpful, always civicly(sp)-minded people insurers are, you also need to consider that any fires or other issues with your house may not get fair payment if the insurer has a chance of arguing it may've been caused by that or other bad wiring.
When buying a house, it's not unheard of for people to get a 'building report' done on the overall state of the structure, including electrical, plumbing and structural issues (and whether extensions/sheds/garages etc all have their proper council paperwork). Getting fairly common today even. Your mods may not be illegal, but they may hit you in the pocket significantly if it comes time to sell.
(Not a lawyer, RE agent, insurer or council employee, and never played on on TV either)
Biting the hand that feeds IT
