Dunedin landlords are taking advantage of the exodus of students by getting some work done on their flats. Reporter Vaughan Elder and photographer Christine O'Connor take a look around North Dunedin.
The streets in the student quarter were almost deserted yesterday, with most students long gone, but tradesmen were busy fixing up flats and a few tenants were clearing out houses before their leases end on January 31.
Among flats being worked on yesterday was the infamous 660 Castle St, where the band Six60 lived and got its name, which was having its roof replaced.
Central Campus Property Management owner Stef Wade, who is property manager for 660 Castle St, said over summer was the only time landlords could get extensive work done on flats in the student quarter.
Along with having its roof replaced, 660 Castle St, as well as a neighbouring flat, was being repainted and having work done on some of its floor coverings, Ms Wade said.
The tradesmen were being careful not to touch the number 660, painted in white on the front of the flat, which students get photographed next to because of the flat's status as "the most famous flat'' in the city.
Keeping flats up to date was important for landlords, as students were more discerning than in the past.
"They pay fairly big rents and they expect a well presented property.''
Having nicer properties also allowed landlords to charge more rent, so it was a win-win.
Thieves have also historically targeted the area over the summer, and Hannah Moody, of Dunedin, said it could be a little scary living in the area with very few people around.
However, she enjoyed the peace and quiet which came with most of the students having left.
