Owners labelled as developers in claims

Large leaky-house claims are being brought against former homeowners who are being dubbed developers because they had new homes built.

John Gray, president of the Homeowners & Buyers Association, has noticed a big jump in the number of cases against sellers who were being held liable by either buyers or city councils. He described this latest development in the rotting homes scandal as most unfortunate because a far larger number of people were now being "victimised".

Two leaky-home claims now going through the system illustrate the trend.

A case brought by Richard and Hayley Tabram against Arran and Michelle Salter over 89 Pacific Parade in Army Bay was last week before the Weathertight Homes Tribunal.

The Tabrams bought a leaky house the Slaters had built and now want $384,134.30 after having it fixed by Jennian Homes. The Slaters are named as "property developers" by the Tabrams.

To read the full NZ Herald story click here

Posted: 2 Mar 2009

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