Recently, a devastating incident in Mt. Wellington took the life of Finauga ‘Lee’ Ah Yen Faatoia, who was doing a good deed assisting his friend with a tenant eviction.
This heartbreaking tragedy reminds us all of the hidden dangers property managers can face, especially in tense situations. Our deepest condolences go out to Finauga’s family during this difficult time, and we hope his story can bring much-needed awareness to the risks involved in our profession.
As property managers, we deal with more than just paperwork, inspections, and maintenance. Sometimes, we find ourselves in high-stress situations like evictions, where emotions can run high and outcomes can be unpredictable. Sadly, Finauga’s death highlights how important it is for everyone in this industry to prioritise safety—not only for tenants and landlords, but for ourselves as well.
Why Safety Should Be a Top Priority
Evictions are a particularly sensitive area in property management. Emotions can escalate, and if not handled delicately, these situations can turn dangerous.
NEVER do an eviction on your own
When the Tenancy Tribunal grants an order to evict a tenant, the process typically involves appointing a bailiff to carry out the eviction. However, at the moment, there’s quite a delay in getting bailiffs out to properties.
Now, understandably, this wait can leave landlords stressed—especially if they’ve already gone weeks or months without rent. And here’s where property managers sometimes take matters into their own hands, thinking, “I’ll just do the eviction myself to help out my landlord.”
I get it. You want to step in, sort the problem, and keep things moving for your owner. But here’s the reality—if you go in on your own, you’re putting yourself at serious risk. Evictions are emotional, and things can quickly escalate in ways you can’t predict.
Why It’s Not Worth the Risk
Evictions can be incredibly tense situations. When a tenant is being forced out of their home, emotions run high, and it’s impossible to know how someone will react in that moment. It’s not about questioning your ability to manage tough situations—it’s about recognising that some things are beyond your control.
Property managers who try to handle these situations without professional support are not only taking on unnecessary personal risk, but they’re also stepping into a role that’s best left to those specifically trained for these types of confrontations.
Stick to the Process
It’s an absolute must that you always follow the formal process and wait for the appointed bailiff, no matter how long it takes. If the delays are becoming a problem, then that’s a conversation to have with your landlord about managing expectations and timelines.
The Takeaway
At the end of the day, your safety should always come first. Evictions are tough, but they need to be done by the book. Always wait for the professionals, because no property is worth putting yourself in harm’s way.
Moving Forward Together
The loss of Finauga Lee Ah Yen Fa’atoia is a stark reminder that property management is more than just a job—it involves real people and real risks. At Renthub, we are deeply saddened by this tragedy and are committed to prioritising safety in everything we do. We owe it to our team, landlords, and tenants to handle difficult situations with care, respect, and the necessary precautions.
Let’s all remember Finauga’s story as we move forward, ensuring that safety is at the heart of every decision we make. Whether it’s managing a routine inspection or a more complex eviction, we must never forget the importance of protecting ourselves and those we work with.
Our thoughts are with Finauga’s family, and we hope this tragedy brings about meaningful conversations on how we can improve safety in the property management industry.
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