Bad neighbours & absentee landlord

Our Experts Answer:

An absentee landlord, if based outside New Zealand for more than 21 days, must have a local representative. You could call local property managers and ask if they manage the property. However, if the owners live elsewhere in New Zealand and “manage” the property themselves, then I suggest you contact the local Council and ask to track down the contact details for the owner. If you can speak with the owner of the property you may have the best chance of success.

The noise and disturbance can be addressed simply by calling the Council’s noise control number. The same rules apply to neighbours, whether they are tenants or not. They must not make any unreasonable noise or disturbance at any time (not just at night). A noise control officer will attend and speak with the occupants. Repeat offences can result in impounding of the offending equipment (such as a stereo system, television or chainsaw). The junkyard appearance of the property is possibly a matter that you need to refer to the local Council. The property may contravene local authority bylaws which the Council can enforce.