PHOTO: FILE
A major real estate shake-up in Auckland has left landlords reeling, with Haven Living Management going into liquidation, potentially costing property owners up to $70,000 in unpaid rent.
🚨 What Happened?
Haven Living Management, a property management company based in Auckland, has been accused of failing to pay landlords rental income collected from tenants. The company has now gone into liquidation, leaving property owners scrambling to recover tens of thousands of dollars.
One affected landlord, Hong Kong-based Kiwi Trevor Wharton, claims he is owed nearly $14,000 in rental income between June and December 2024. Despite repeated attempts to contact Haven Living, his emails and calls have gone unanswered. 📉😡
📰 “We entrusted them with our properties, and now we’re left with nothing but unanswered emails and missing funds.” – Landlord Trevor Wharton
💰 The Bigger Financial Mess
The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) took legal action against Haven Living Management over a $2.3 million tax bill. While the company claims to have settled this debt, the liquidation proceedings have cast doubt on whether landlords will ever recover their lost rental income.
Adding to the financial turmoil, the body corporate of Unicentre student accommodation claims Haven Living Management owes them $100,000, leading to a second attempt to liquidate the company.
⚖️ What Can Landlords Do?
With no clear resolution in sight, affected landlords may need to join liquidation claims in an attempt to recover their funds. However, the odds of full repayment remain uncertain.
This situation highlights the risks involved in entrusting rental properties to financially unstable property management firms.
🏡 What this means for property investors:
✅ Always research a property management company’s financial health before signing an agreement.
✅ Consider direct rental collection to avoid middleman issues.
✅ Be proactive in monitoring rental income deposits.
🔎 Stay Updated on This Developing Story
With Auckland’s property market facing increasing challenges, this case raises serious concerns about rental security and property management transparency.
📢 Landlords, have you been affected by Haven Living Management’s liquidation? Share your experience in the comments below!
SOURCE: NZHERALD