I think my house is a leaky home. What should I do?
Common question · Leaky Buildings & Weathertightness · New Zealand · 23 October 2026
General information from Lawmateanz
Signs of a weathertightness problem can include staining, swelling, mould, rotting timber or a musty smell. Homes built or altered with certain monolithic cladding systems in the 1990s and early 2000s are more at risk.
Get a weathertightness report from a qualified building surveyor. Acting early can limit damage and repair costs.
Claims for defective building work generally have to be brought within 10 years of the work being done, which is a strict longstop. The Weathertight Homes Resolution Service can help eligible owners, and claims can also go to court.
Because time limits and evidence are critical, get advice from a lawyer experienced in building claims as soon as possible.
Written by Lawmateanz, not by a lawyer. General information only, not legal advice about your situation. For advice about your own matter, talk to a lawyer.
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