Some homes built in the 1990s and early 2000s had design features and installation techniques that put them at high risk of leaking. Where water got behind the cladding, if it was not removed by drainage or ventilation it could lead to mould and rot. Those houses and apartments where water entry has occurred (commonly called leaky buildings) may require significant and expensive remediation to deal with the leaks and subsequent damage. This maintenance guide looks at the design features often associated with leaky buildings, the signs that may indicate that a building is leaking and remediation options. The risks and potential costs involved in weathertight remediation mean that you should seek expert help in assessing a potential problem and in determining the action you want to take. A New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors (NZIBS) building surveyor can help you assess whether you have a problem and advise on your options.

BRANZ has published a book on the topic, Building Basics: Weathertightness (2nd edition). 

Remediation can be expensive. To recover costs, leaky home owners have a range of actions to consider, including negotiation, mediation, adjudication, and (as a last resort) court action.

Various support mechanisms and services have been provided for the owners of leaky homes seeking redress in the past. For five years after 23 July 2011, a Financial Assistance Package was available. This closed to new claimants on 23 July 2016.
 
Under the Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Act 2006, claims could be made to the Weathertight Homes Tribunal. The deadline for claims to be received under this scheme was 31 December 2021.