New leaky homes option available

Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson says the government’s leaky homes financial assistance package is available from today.

The 25:25:50 package sees qualifying homeowners receiving a 25 per cent contribution from the government and 25 per cent from participating local councils in the repair costs to their home. The contributions will be based on actual repair costs.

Qualifying claimants will also need to demonstrate they can pay their share of the repair cost.

“This is just another option,” says Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby.

“They can go through the tribunal, they can still take court action instead of participating in this scheme.”

Tauranga City Council has resolved to set aside $250,000 to help fix local leaky homes. The money, if called upon, will be used to fund 25 per cent of the cost of repairs, matching, the government’s 25 per cent.

“It is going to be very interesting because on the available figures we simply don’t know the true volume of cases of leaky homes,” says Stuart.

When setting aside the leaky homes money, the Tauranga City Council also decided to offer a 25 per cent discount towards the cost of a building consent where people have decided to fix their own ‘leaky’ homes at their own expense.

The amount set aside for this subsidy is $15,000.

Homeowners who want to know whether they qualify for the package should visit the Department of Building and Housing website at www.leakyhomes.govt.nz

“Now that all parties have agreed to the financial assistance package we will see more leaky homes fixed rather than homeowners spending thousands of dollars in costly litigation,” says Maurice Williamson.

“I am proud that this government has been able to deliver owners of leaky homes a positive, alternative way of getting their home fixed so they can move on with their lives.”