Crosslease titles are based on undivided ownership of the underlying land and then reciprocal leases (cross leases) between the parties for the area that the buildings occupy. Exclusive use covenant areas are also utilised to define those areas that can be used by one or the other. Things to remember (depending on the local authority) are;

1. Coverage may be for the entire site (underlying lot) not just your clients area (make sure your surveyor picks up the other houses and coverage areas on neighbours areas if necessary).
2. Height to boundary may be to the underlying lot boundary not the covenant boundary.
3. Any change to the building footprint may require the lease (flats) plan to be updated, this will require neighbours consent.
4. This is a great opportunity to freehold the property, we are doing a lot of these at present.

Think ahead and call us if you have any queries at all.

For easy advice, call the experts call BCL FOR SURVEY on 09 630 9512.

In order to improve standards of practice, Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) has instigated an audit process of Licensed Cadastral Surveyors. BCL Surveyors was recently chosen to be audited, which provided a good opportunity to test our systems and processes against the LINZ and KPMG auditors’ expectations.

We are very proud to have passed with flying colours, and have a few comments to brag about! Here are a couple which come directly from the Audit Report:

BCL Surveyors have good quality control processes in place for the production and submission of complete and accurate CSDs.

…the Audit Team is impressed with the thoroughness of QA processes, and an evident focus on quality shown by members of the firm. We have no further recommendations or process improvement ideas and commend BCL Surveyors for their sound business practice.

Robust quality assurance practices are in place, including a comprehensive checklist
which is completed and signed by a Licensed Cadastral Surveyor prior to lodgement of CSD.

The Audit Team also noted the following observations and positive practices during the audit:

• Good supervision of technicians and survey graduates.
• Processes to maintain equipment including calibration are at a high level, including the development of an electronic register to monitor servicing due dates, regular manual checking of equipment using marks set out in the firm's car-park, and the retention of hard copy records.
• A good level of preliminary planning performed, including preparation of an occupational diagram with highlighted marks to search for.
• Regular team meetings are held with LCSs and field staff, which includes discussion of
  technical issues and requisitions.
• Field audits undertaken by the audit team found surveys to be well executed, and no items of non compliance were identified.

So what?