Other avenues for support
Sometimes there are issues with real estate transactions that we’re unable to help with. Here are some other avenues for support that could help address your concerns.
Tenancy Services (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment | Hīkina Whakatutuki)
If you have an issue with a landlord or tenant, Tenancy services could help.
Tenancy Services:
- oversee Healthy Homes standards
- provide information on unit titles
- provide information on body corporates
- oversee dispute resolution for landlords, tenants, and unit title owners.
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
CAB helps people understand their rights and obligations to get the best outcomes. This is a free and independent service with branches across Aotearoa.
Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC)
OPC monitors and enforces compliance with the Privacy Act.
Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD administers and manages a range of legislation, including the Residential Tenancies Act. This law regulates the relationship between landlords and tenants who rent residential properties.
Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) (Anti-Money Laundering)
Money laundering is when the illegal origins of money are hidden. The DIA makes sure businesses comply with the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act.
Banking Ombudsman
If you have an issue with your bank, the Banking Ombudsman Scheme may be able to help. The scheme is independent and free to use.
The Banking Ombudsman can investigate when the:
- complaint is about a financial service provided to you by a bank
- the alleged financial loss, damage or inconvenience is less than $350,000
- bank is a participant in the Banking Ombudsman Scheme.
Insurance and financial advisers
A dispute resolution service could help solve an issue with your insurance company or financial adviser. These services are free.
Ask your insurer or financial adviser what scheme they belong to or check the Companies Office to see the scheme to which they belong(external link)
Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman(external link)
Disputes tribunal
You may be able to take a claim to the Disputes Tribunal. The Tribunal can make a binding decision that can be enforced by the courts. You can only go to the Disputes Tribunal for claims of up to $30,000.
Lawyer and conveyancers
For an issue with your lawyer, you can contact the Lawyers Complaints Service(external link) at The New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa.
For an issue with a conveyancer contact the New Zealand Society of Conveyancers(external link)
Registered valuers
If you can’t solve a problem directly with a registered valuer, you can take your complaint to the Valuers Registration Board.
Consumer Protection (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment | Hīkina Whakatutuki)
Consumer Protection could help you to make a complaint about a product or service you're unhappy with.
Commerce Commission New Zealand | Te Komihana Tauhokohoko
When you buy goods or services in New Zealand you are protected by consumer laws. You may be able to take your complaint to the Commerce Commission who enforces some of these laws.
Commerce Commission New Zealand Te Komihana Tauhokohoko(external link)
Te Kāhui Tika Tangata | Human Rights Commission
Find out about making a complaint about unlawful discrimination and other prohibited behaviours under the Human Rights Act.
Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission(external link)