[Megan Bugge]

Good Morning All

We have an assessment where the owner is paying rates charges however he is not paying water. We have tried to restrict water but he just goes without, so we reconnect to avoid health issues. We have summons and when we try to enforce writ he is very agitated. We feel that he may suffer from a mental health issue. My main question is what would others do in this situation. His last payment was 2010, he is nearly 5 years behind in rates. Do we sell the land, and if there is a mental illness what issues could we face? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

[Cherie Muir]

Hi Megan
I reckon your instincts are right … you wouldn’t want to go straight down the path of sale of land with an owner that you suspect may be mentally ill. Other RP’s will be able to tell you specifics of situations like this (I can’t remember, but I think there was a story about a lady with chooks and sale of land some years back). I’d try to really ‘reach’ the owner before considering sale of land. Do you have a Hardship Policy? Can you involve your community services people and get their insighta – maybe they’ll be able to arrange a visit and then you can learn more about the owner. Council may be then able to assist the owner with other issues that you are not aware of at the moment. Owner may even be a pensioner but wasn’t aware of the rebate.
It’s a sticky one ….

Cherie

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