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| DAMAGED: Moisture trapped in leaky building. |
These people and others with signs of leaking will be eligible to claim under a new package announced by the Government.
Owners of leaky homes have been stuck in a complex and costly disputes process for too long with little prospect of being able to fix them, according to Maurice Williamson.
“Even though the Government has no legal liability, the magnitude of the issue means central government involvement is essential if we are going to find a way forward,” says the Building and Construction Minister and MP for Pakuranga.
About $1 billion is expected to be spent by the Government, which will establish a new financial assistance package to help homeowners repair their leaky homes faster.
It hopes to have the package available in early 2011.
The Government will meet 25 per cent of homeowners’ agreed repair costs and local authorities, if they agree, will contribute 25 per cent. Homeowners will fund the remaining 50 per cent with a loan guarantee underwritten by the Government, provided claimants meet banking criteria.
Local authorities have until May 31 to decide if they wish to participate in the package.
So far the Times has received no response from the Manukau council about it’s views on the package.
Retail banks have indicated a willingness to participate in the scheme.
The house or complex must have been built or altered within the previous 10 years to lodging the claim.
The building must be leaking (water entering from outside) and damaged as a result of the leaks. Water stains, rotting carpet and musty smells are indicators of a leaky building.
• Affected homeowners can keep up-to-date by signing up for the Department of Building and Housing’s e-newsletter. They can also phone the Department of Building and Housing on 0800 116 926, fax 04 494 0290, email: info@dbh.govt.nz or by post: Weathertight Services, Department of Building and Housing, PO Box 10-729, Wellington.