Residents living at the Boundary Road complex said a “disgusting” smell from one unit became progressively worse over the year.
Keith Shaw said when the tenant was evicted on November 17, cleaners came in and stirred up vermin and cockroaches.
He said mice had spread to at least five other units in the complex, including his.
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READ NOWWhen the Times met residents, a putrid smell emanated from the vacant unit.
Neighbour George Dobson (83) said he spent a “fortune” on incense, sprays and air fresheners.
He said the state of the vacant unit was a health issue.
John Jansen said there were dead mice in the wall cavities and baby mice running around the vacant unit.
Housing Authority service delivery general manager Greg Cash said Housing had long running action against this tenancy under the Residential Tenancies Act, but did not receive complaints about the dwelling until just before the tenancy was terminated.
“Housing commenced action against this tenancy because the tenant would not allow access to the property for it to be inspected,” he said.
“The tenant did not respond to repeated requests to inspect and did not keep appointments made.
“The tenant also would not discuss or accept referral to other agencies for support.
“Housing in July obtained a court order under the Residential Tenancies Act requiring the tenant to provide access to the property for the purposes of inspection.”
Mr Cash said the tenant continued to deny access for Housing officers to inspect the property.
“With all other avenues to address these issues exhausted, Housing took the matter back to court and was successful in gaining an order to end the tenancy,” he said.
“This order culminated in recent bailiff action to get the property back.
“With the property back in Housing’s possession, clean-up work has commenced.
“Rubbish has been removed and the unit has had a pest control treatment.
“A more thorough cleaning and other repairs required will commence shortly.
“Contractors will treat for any insect or rodent pests present at the unit, or the complex. Should pest control issues arise, Housing will treat any units affected though, as with any maintenance problem, it is up to tenants to report any such issues to Housing’s call centre.”