Christchurch Earthquake

In the last few weeks, Christchurch property owners and residents have lived through hundreds of aftershocks, following a 7.1 magnitude quake on Saturday the 4th of September.

There has been much uncertainty for those with damaged properties and what steps they should take to have repairs and assessments completed. Some of the pressure has been released, with EQC confirming that owners have 3 months to lodge claims - not just one month as reported by some institutions (see the EQC media release).

EQC is advising owners not to be overly concerned with regard to contact regarding claims lodged - They are dealing with well over 60 000 claims and these are being worked through on a priority basis. The assessment process is well underway and EQC have more than 210 staff actively involved in damage assessment, and more staff coming to Christchurch over the next days and weeks to help with the process.

Tenants and owners alike have been displaced from their properties and are faced with having to find alternative accommodation. Family homes in Christchurch are becoming harder to source, and some flexibility is required by all parties.

Bayleys PM are fielding enquiries from quality tenants looking for 3-5 bedroom family homes - please contact our office if you have a rental property that may be available in the coming weeks. 

The following article issued by Duncan Cotterill Lawyers sets out a guide for landlords and tenants regarding destruction of a property.