In an unusual move, a court order has been granted to stop anyone living in a Wanaka property.
Queenstown Lakes District Council took the action because the owner failed to finish work to make the visitor accommodation safe.
Fire resistant ceiling linings and adequate fire exits had not been installed.
People who were staying at the Tenby Road site are being helped to find another place to live.
The council says it gave the owner every opportunity to put matters right before a court order was sought.
