If a roofer's work fails within the warranty period, you have real legal protections in New Zealand — and you don't have to simply accept a leaking roof or shoddy workmanship. Your rights come from several overlapping sources: the Consumer Guarantees Act, the Building Act, your contract, and any product warranties on materials used. Understanding how these work together puts you in a much stronger position.
Your Key Legal Protections
In New Zealand, roofing work is covered by a combination of laws and regulations:
- Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA): When you hire a tradesperson, they must carry out the work with reasonable care and skill, complete it within a reasonable time, and use materials that are fit for purpose. If they don't, you're entitled to have the problem fixed — or, if it can't be fixed, to a refund or compensation.
- Building Act 2004: Residential building work must comply with the NZ Building Code, which includes weathertightness requirements under Clause E2 (External Moisture). A roof that leaks due to poor workmanship is likely a Building Code breach.
- Contract warranties: Most reputable roofers offer a workmanship warranty (commonly 5–10 years) on top of any manufacturer's product warranty. Check your contract carefully for the exact terms.
- Licensed Building Practitioners (LBP): Certain roofing work is restricted building work that must be carried out or supervised by an LBP. If your roofer was required to be an LBP and wasn't, this strengthens your complaint.
What Counts as a Warranty Failure?
A warranty failure is generally any defect in workmanship or materials that causes the roof to perform below the standard it should — within the warranty period. Common examples include:
- Leaks at flashings, ridgelines, valleys, or penetrations
- Lifted, cracked, or displaced roofing sheets or tiles
- Corrosion caused by using incompatible materials
- Poor sealing around skylights or vents
- Sagging or structural issues linked to the installation
Normal wear and tear, storm damage beyond reasonable design loads, or damage you've caused yourself are generally not covered.
Steps to Take When Work Fails
1. Document Everything
Take clear photos and videos of the defect as soon as you notice it. Note the date and any weather conditions. Keep all invoices, contracts, warranties, and written communications.
2. Notify the Roofer in Writing
Contact the roofer promptly — ideally by email so you have a record. Describe the problem clearly and reference your warranty or the Consumer Guarantees Act. Give them a reasonable opportunity to inspect and remedy the issue.
3. Allow a Reasonable Remedy Opportunity
Under the CGA, the tradesperson has the right to fix the problem first. If they refuse, fail to respond within a reasonable time, or the repair doesn't hold, you can escalate.
4. Escalate If Needed
If the roofer won't cooperate, you have several options:
- Disputes Tribunal: For claims up to a set limit (or a higher amount by agreement), the Disputes Tribunal is a low-cost, no-lawyer process. It's often the fastest route for homeowners.
- Building consent authority / council: If the work required a building consent and the roof doesn't comply with the Building Code, notify your local council. They can issue a notice to fix.
- Licensed Building Practitioners Board: If the roofer held an LBP licence, you can make a complaint to the LBP scheme about a breach of the Code of Ethics or competence.
- Consumer NZ: Consumer NZ has useful guidance on making complaints and your rights under the CGA.
Product Warranties on Roofing Materials
Separate from workmanship warranties, roofing materials often carry manufacturer warranties — sometimes 15–50 years depending on the product. However, these are usually conditional on correct installation. If the roofer installed the product incorrectly, the manufacturer may decline the claim, pushing responsibility back to the installer. Always ask your roofer for the product warranty documents at job completion.
Did the Work Need a Building Consent?
Not all roofing work requires a building consent — some re-roofing work falls under Schedule 1 exemptions of the Building Act. However, always confirm with your local council whether consent was required for your specific job. If consent was required and not obtained, this is a serious issue that can affect your ability to sell the property and may void insurance claims. Check MBIE Building Performance for general guidance.
Protecting Yourself Before Work Starts
The best time to protect your rights is before you sign anything:
| What to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| LBP licence number | Confirms legal authority for restricted work |
| Written contract with warranty terms | Sets clear expectations and legal obligations |
| Proof of public liability insurance | Covers you if damage occurs |
| Product warranty documents | Separate cover for materials |
| Payment schedule tied to milestones | Avoids paying in full before work is complete |
When to Call a Professional
If your roof is actively leaking, causing water damage, or you suspect structural issues, don't wait — get a qualified roofer to assess it urgently. If you're in a dispute and the roofer is unresponsive, consider engaging an independent building inspector to document the defects professionally. Their report can be invaluable at the Disputes Tribunal. You can find qualified, local roofers and building inspectors on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Sources & Further Reading
- MBIE Building Performance – Building Code and homeowner rights
- Licensed Building Practitioners – Find or check an LBP
- Consumer NZ – Consumer Guarantees Act guidance
- BRANZ – Roofing and weathertightness resources
- Tenancy Services – Healthy Homes Standards (rental properties)
- WorkSafe NZ – Safety on residential building sites
Roofing Association of NZ (RANZ)
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
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