Introduction

Property and tenancy disputes can escalate fast – threatening cash flow, delaying developments, and impacting relationships. Whether you are a landlord chasing rent arrears, a tenant facing an unlawful eviction, or a developer stuck in a boundary standoff, you need clear, commercially sensible advice. Harris Tate’s Dispute Resolution Team can advise you on the legal requirements and options available to protect your investment, reputation, and bottom line.

Residential Tenancies

Significant rent arrears, deliberate property damage, or eviction threats can create serious commercial risk. We can review tenancy agreements, Healthy Homes clauses, and notices to confirm each party’s obligations, then assist you with pursuing practical outcomes – repayment schedules, compensation orders, or vacant possession through the Tenancy Tribunal – so landlords recover losses and tenants secure safe housing.

Commercial Leases: Safeguarding Cash Flow & Fit-Outs

When a major tenant stops paying rent, a landlord delays crucial repairs, or a make-good clause is disputed, commercial leasing headaches can have a detrimental impact on a business. We can advise on commercial lease terms, enforce personal guarantees, and assist with serving Property Law Act notices where necessary. If negotiations do not resolve matters, we can assist with applying for injunctions or pursuing debt recovery in the appropriate court where appropriate and with commercial considerations in mind.

Boundary, Easement & Title Show-Downs

Survey disputes jeopardising a subdivision, obstructed rights of way, or unauthorised structures can significantly reduce a property’s value. We can team up with licensed surveyors, review LINZ records, lodge caveats where appropriate and advise you on your options for resolving these and other issues. We will often start with considering negotiation or mediation where appropriate, however, can also assist with preparing and filing High Court proceedings if necessary.

Body Corporate & Unit-Title Wrangles

Remediation levies, committee spending, or owners withholding body-corporate fees can have a detrimental impact on body corporate communities. We can advise and assist committees and owners through various body corporate processes, disputes and recovery proceedings. Again, we often advise on alternative dispute resolution methods in the first instance, such as negotiation and mediation, which can lead to an agreed resolution; if not, we can assist with escalating the matter to the Tenancy Tribunal or District Court for enforceable orders.

Dispute Resolution Without the Drama

Litigation is costly.  Wherever possible we resolve conflicts through alternative dispute resolution methods such as negotiation, mediation, adjudication or expert determination. When court action is unavoidable, we can assist with pursuing urgent possession orders, debt recovery, or specific performance – always balancing our advice on the legal issues and position against the cost–benefit analysis and risks.

Why Choose Harris Tate?

• Plain-English advice: No legal jargon – just clear next steps.
• Commercial focus: Every move weighed against cost, time, and reputational risk.
• Local insight: Tauranga-based, helping landlords, tenants, owners, and investors citywide.
• Knowledgeable and experienced team.

Let’s Resolve It

Don’t let a property or tenancy dispute have a negative impact on your equity or business plans. Contact Harris Tate today for pragmatic legal guidance that safeguards your rights, preserves key relationships, and keeps your investment, or tenancy, on track.