Unapproved fibre installation
Question from Nick updated on 9th July 2015:
My tenant has had fibre installed without my permission and I am not happy about the installation. Chorus claim the tenant's signature confirmed my consent, which of course he did not have. What might be my avenues of addressing this? Through Chorus or through the Tenancy Tribunal?
Our expert Bernard Parker responded:
I wonder what aspect of the installation you are unhappy about - the standard of the work, or the fact that fibre has been installed without your permission?
If an occupant of a house represents to Chorus that he/she has the authority to have fibre broadband cable installed, Chorus may well find it difficult to double-check and verify the signature on the approval. Your tenant has responsibilities under the tenancy agreement, and he/she is the person who needs to answer your complaint.
It is worth considering, however, that the current trend towards fibre broadband connections make this installation a positive incentive for both the existing tenant and possible replacement tenants who appreciate the faster connection speed. I suggest that you talk with your tenant to see if you can resolve the issue.
Bernard is principal of Quinovic – Kapiti-Mana. Quinovic's outstanding people and systems provide the most professional, effective and reliable residential property management service in the NZ market for over 30 years.Search the Ask an Expert archive
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