Rent, Buy or Own
Information for neighbours
Fences:
If your property adjoins a Housing New Zealand property and you have plans for the fence-line, you need to let us know.
We may consider contributing to the cost of a new fence or an improvement to an existing fence, but you'll need to give us written notice.
Your notice will need to specify:
- the fence's boundary line, or parts of the boundary line that you plan to work on
- the work you intend to do
- what you expect the work to cost, and whether you want us to consider contributing.
Once we receive your notice we will come and have a look at where you propose putting the fence. If we agree with the details of your notice, we will send you an acceptance letter within 21 working days.
If we don't agree and are not prepared to help fund the fence, we will send you a 'cross-notice' outlining our reasons, within 21 working days.
Call the neighbourhood unit closest to you and ask to speak to the property manager.
Trees:
The responsibility for any storm damage on a property resulting from a fallen tree rests with the person who owns the tree. If you have problems regarding trees on Housing New Zealand properties, call your nearest neighbourhood unit and ask to speak to the property manager.
Getting consent for developments:
If you're subdividing, developing or improving a property next to a Housing New Zealand property you may need our consent. Your local council will let you know if this is the case. Contact us and ask to speak to the property manager in your area.
Drainage plans and repairs:
We have copies of drainage plans for many Housing New Zealand properties as well as for some ex-state houses. They are available free of charge. Give us a call and ask to speak to the Records Manager, or send us an e-mail.
If you are planning to repair a communal drain that runs through your property, we may consider contributing to the cost if the drain also serves a Housing New Zealand property. Ask your nearest neighbourhood unit to put you in touch with the property manager.
Complaints:
If you wish to make a complaint about someone living in a Housing New Zealand home, you can:
- call us anytime on 0800 801 601
- contact your local neighbourhood unit
- write us a letter, addressed to the Housing Services Manager.
We do our best to resolve complaints and will let you know within two working days when you can expect to hear of the outcome.
Resolving disputes:
Most neighbourly disputes are resolved amicably but there are some cases where we may be asked to help. We will help if Housing New Zealand tenants, their neighbours or our staff are in danger of physical harm, or if the dispute affects people in the surrounding area.
In some instances, we will write to the person who seems to be causing the problem. If we continue to get complaints about a Housing New Zealand tenant we may take further action. This could lead to eviction if they are at fault. Eviction is a last resort and involves applying to the Tenancy Tribunal to get possession of the property.
