Landlord of the Year announced

Debbie Van Deb Broek of the Rotorua Property Investors' Association was named Landlord of the Year for 2009, while Jan and Lyle Galloway, and Chris and Robita Johnston were named as runners up.

"All finalists in the Landlord of the Year award demonstrated the value of getting it right when managing their rental properties. It makes good business sense to treat tenants as valued customers," said Jeff Montgomery, client services manager for award sponsor Department of Building and Housing.

Debbie has been in the business of property investing and landlording for the past 20 years. She and husband Ed own rental and holiday accommodation in the Rotorua area.

Debbie invests long-term. She employs a gardener who maintains the gardens and the edges, while tenants mow their own lawns. This ensures the properties are always clean, tidy and well looked after.