Inspection Of Flats

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32394, 5 September 1970, Page 12

Inspection Of Flats

Sir, —I am the owner of a block of four self-contained flats, all in perfect order and all let to excellent tenants. I have just been informed by an inspector of the Christchurch City Council that he has inspected these flats inside and out and interviewed my tenants. I am aware that these inspections are to take place throughout the city according to new regulations and I have no objection to this. I have been informed that my building fully complies with requirements. However, I would like to know if the City Council’s inspectors have the right to enter one’s flats and interview the tenants without first notifying the owner of their intention to do so. I think owners are at least entitled to this courtesy, giving them the opportunity to be present during the inspection if they so wish.— Yours, etc., LANDLORD. August 28, 1970.

[The Chief City Health Inspector (Mr A. P. Millthorpe) replies: “Where possible, inspectors do contact the owner of an apartment building before carrying out inspections. This is not a legal requirement but a matter of courtesy and to offer the owner the opportunity of accompanying staff in inspections if so desired. There are some occasions, however, when owners

cannot be contacted and the inspector has to make the necessary arrangements with the occupier under the provisions of the council’s by-law 52."]