Source: Auckland Council
As property assessments continue across Auckland following major storms in early 2023, the Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office is reminding tenants that there is support available for them too.
Over 2600 homeowners have signed up for the Property Categorisation programme, to understand if there is an intolerable risk to life from future storms at the property, and if they qualify for a council buyout or mitigation grants.
Understanding the risk
Deputy Recovery Group Manager, Mace Ward, says while the categorisation programme deals directly with homeowners to assess properties, tenants are an important consideration.
“When we are assessing properties, we are essentially looking for an intolerable risk to life from future storms – whether from flooding or landslips. Because it’s about protecting anyone that might live at that home, tenants have a significant stake in the outcome too,” says Mr Ward.
“We expect landlords and property managers to have open communication with their tenants about the final property category, any risks, and any changes to their tenancy. If tenants are not able to get this information from the homeowner, we may be able to disclose a category where there is an intolerable risk to life.”
There are a range of considerations for property owners in this situation, and landlords are encouraged to seek legal advice about their tenancy arrangements. While the Recovery Office can’t give advice on tenancy arrangements, its Storm Recovery Navigators can refer affected rental home providers and tenants to legal and tenancy advice.
Support services for tenants and homeowners
Both homeowners and tenants who are impacted have access to the Storm Recovery Navigation Service which can connect them to a range of free support services. Help available through a number of partners includes relocation assistance, contents loss and home bundles, temporary accommodation, financial, legal and insurance advice, and free mental, emotional and physical health support.
“Our navigation service covers tenants too. So please get in touch if you are still struggling from the storms, have had to relocate, or need information about the support available,” says Manu Joyce, the Navigation Service Manager.
“We can also connect you with advocacy groups like the NZ Claims Resolution Service for insurance issues, and Tenancy Services if you have concerns about ongoing safety at your home.”
Get in touch or refer impacted tenants to our navigators by email at navigators@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or by phoning 09 884 2070.
Owners of at-risk homes can still register for the property categorisation programme ahead of 30 September, but are strongly recommended to sign up sooner rather than later.
FAQs
What categories identify an intolerable risk to life?
When a property is given a Category 3 rating, we have identified an intolerable risk to life from future weather events at the property, and that this risk can’t feasibly be reduced to a tolerable level. Because of this risk, owners of Category 3 homes are eligible for a buyout under the categorisation programme.
If the property is given a Category 2P or 2C rating, we have identified an intolerable risk to life at the property, but, unlike Category 3 properties, this risk can be mitigated either by construction at the property or community infrastructure projects.
Can a Category 2 or 3 home still be lived in?
The Property Categorisation programme is voluntary and there are no access restrictions where a property is assigned a Category 3 or 2 (unless there are red or yellow placard restrictions on the property which are issued under the Building Act and indicate whether a property is currently safe). This means that continuing to live at Category 2 or 3 property is at the decision and risk of the homeowner and/or occupier.
We cannot give advice about what this means for your tenancy arrangements. Property owners and/or property managers should seek legal advice and follow any tenancy laws, including any notice provisions.
What about notice for my tenants when finalising a buy-out settlement date?
Homeowners should discuss this with their legal representative before finalising a settlement date with us to ensure that they meet any obligations under tenancy laws, including giving adequate notice to tenants. We will work with homeowners to confirm a settlement date which accommodates the required notice period.
See our Category 3 homeowner handbook for more information.
What additional support is available for impacted tenants?
Impacted tenants and homeowners have access to the Storm Recovery Navigation Service with dedicated navigators that can connect them to a range of free support services. This covers tenants that have been impacted by the major storms in early 2023 and/or are relocating from impacted homes.
Help available through a number of partners includes relocation assistance, contents loss and home bundles, temporary accommodation, financial, legal and insurance advice, and free mental, emotional and physical health support.
Get in touch or refer impacted tenants to our navigators at navigators@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or by phoning 09 884 2070.
