If the work was done prior to January 1st 1993 then no action can be taken by Council unless the work is dangerous or insanitary. If dangerous or insanitary conditions exist they should be fixed as soon as possible.
A building consent may be needed for this work and if so the building should not be used whilst it remains dangerous or insanitary. If the work was done after July 1992 then a Certificate of Acceptance may be applied for but proof will be required that all work complies with the NZ Building Code.
Go to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment for more information about Certificates of Acceptance
If the Building Consent is not issued and is still being processed on the property you have just purchased and you wish to go ahead with the proposed work, you will need to provide the following:
- Written advice that you are the new owner and wish to proceed with the work. Council’s preference is that a new Building Consent application form be completed for the work and forwarded onto the person processing the job. Include:
- Details of all people involved. Proof of ownership e.g. a Copy of the Record of Title or copy of the Sale and Purchase Agreement.
- A covering letter outlining what is to happen with fees to date.
If the Building Consent has been issued, proceed as above and request inspections as per the inspection schedule.
Any work already undertaken that is non-complying becomes the responsibility of the new owner.