Who to contact about sub-standard earthquake repairs
Earlier this month the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) released the results of a survey on the quality of earthquake repairs undertaken on 101 homes that had been exempt from a building consent under Schedule 1 (repairs and maintenance) of the Building Act.
Thirty-two properties had structural repair work carried out that was non-compliant with the Building Code. An additional 23 homes were assessed as having minor repair defects.
If you have a concern about your earthquake repairs, then you have a few options about who to contact for information or advice.
Contact the Earthquake Commission (EQC) for information or advice
You can contact the Earthquake Commission (EQC) Contact Centre by phoning 0800 326 243 (Monday to Friday from 7am to 9pm, and Saturday from 8am to 6pm) or emailing info[at]eqc.govt.nz.
You can also contact Earthquake Commission (EQC) Contact Centre to make an appointment with a member of EQC’s Community Contact Team to speak to someone face to face.
Contact an independent agency or service for advice
You can also speak to one of the following agencies independent to EQC who can also provide assistance:
- The Residential Advisory Service (RAS) provides free, impartial advice to residential property owners who are facing challenges in getting their home repaired or rebuilt after it has been damaged by the Canterbury earthquakes. The service helps customers understand the process they are going through and to make progress in their repairs or rebuild.
Visit the Residential Advisory Service website for more information or call RAS on 03 379 7027 or 0800 777 299.
- Earthquake Support Coordinators provide information and practical help for those whose homes and lives have been directly affected by the Canterbury earthquakes. The service helps families recover from the effects of the earthquake by working with them to plan what they need and connecting them to services including earthquake-related housing, financial assistance and housing, legal, EQC and insurance help, to name a few. This service is free and confidential.
Visit the Earthquake Support Coordinators website for more information or contact them on 0800 777 846 to request support.
- The Canterbury Support Line is available to talk about anything other than the specific details of an earthquake claim/s. Call 0800 777 846 between 9am and 11pm any day, for free and confidential information, support, counselling and connection to emergency services.