Weathertight e-news:
Issue 8 - October 2010
In this issue we cover:
Local authorities invited to sign up for the Weathertight Homes Financial Assistance Package
The financial assistance package for owners of leaky homes has moved closer with formal agreement by key local authorities to participate in the Government’s Weathertight Homes Financial Assistance Package.
Following formal invitation in September 2010, the majority of the most-affected local authorities have agreed to participate. These represent an estimated 90% of likely weathertight claims.
The package centres on the Government and local authorities each contributing 25% of the agreed repair costs and homeowners funding the remaining 50%. Home owners who choose to apply for the package must agree not to bring proceedings against the local authority and the Government at the Weathertight Homes Tribunal or in court.
The package does not require all local authorities to participate, and some may opt in at a later stage. Where local authorities are not part of the package, the support to affected home owners will be limited to government contributions as there will be no contribution from the local authority.
Local authorities will not be making a contribution to repair costs if they were not involved in the building work (i.e. where inspection and sign-off was done by a private building certifier). However, owners in those cases may still be eligible for government assistance and they will retain the option to pursue claims against the local authority and other parties if they wish.
Applying for the financial assistance package does not prevent claimants continuing with dispute resolution under the Weathertight Homes Resolutions Services Act 2006 or in the courts against non-territorial authority and non-Crown parties if they wish.
It is intended that home owners who have an active claim under the WHRS Act that is still to be resolved will be able to apply for the financial assistance package once it comes into force.
The Government hopes to have the package available for owners of leaky homes from early to mid 2011.
Further information
For more information go to www.dbh.govt.nz or phone 0800 116 926.
If you have already made a claim, think you might want to, or wish to keep up-to-date with progress, sign up for the Department of Building and Housing’s e-newsletter.
It will deliver the latest information to your email inbox as well as advise you of any further developments.