Residents in Christchurch's east have had enough of derelict properties

Many of the ramshackle houses are piled high with rubbish, and sometimes covered in faeces - both animal and human.

Alexandra Davids, the Linwood-Central-Heathcote community board chairwoman, says there are dozens of properties in such a state.

She says squatters can attract drug and alcohol abuse with litter attracting rats and vermin.

Davids says homeowners, neighbours and the local authorities need to find a solution.

The Christchurch City Council has received 21 related complaints in the year to last August.