I feel like we spend a lot of time talking about running our properties like a business rather than a charity and getting reimbursed for our costs, that we risk rousing our inner-Ebenezer who has nothing better to do than to claw back every single pitiful cent that is rightfully ours.  
Not to say I am not a subscriber to this particular school of thought.  I am a big fan of wealth accumulation as much as the next APIA member.  But just as I would not advocate risking the wrath of the IRD by way of tax evasion, no matter how clever, I am not about to encourage you to willingly present your hindside on a silver platter for a round of Tenancy Tribunal spanking.  You may not care about Tiny Tim’s death but you sure as hell will care when The Ghost Of Tribunal Yet To Come relieves you of 1,000 of Kiwi dough.  
I guess what I am trying to say in a very long-winded way is, guys, you gotta know when to stop.  
A member asked me today, ‘Hey Ho APIA!*  Can I charge a letting fee when I let out my own property?  I have costs to recover.’ 

I can totally see where she was coming from and being the lap dog that I am, I really wish I could say to her, ‘Yes!  My dear.  By all means, charge away!  When the money flows out of your purse, squeeze, squeeze, and squeeze some more.’  Alas, my fervent enthuasism was gagged by s17 of the Residential Tenancies Act.  Section 17 declares the charge of key money as an unlawful act which entitles your tenant to apply for,...