SIGN: PRD Nationwide staff have been locked out of the premises.
A DISPUTE between two high-profile real estate agencies has escalated with one of the businesses evicted from their office amid claims of unpaid rent.
PRD Nationwide Orange had been leasing its premises on the corner of Sale and Summer streets through McCormack Barber when the locks on the doors were changed.
McCormack Barber principal Peter McCormack confirmed PRD had been locked out.
“Generally the only reason an owner repossesses property is non-payment of rent,” Mr McCormack said.
“[However] At this stage I’m unable to comment on PRD.”
After the lockout PRD was forced to relocate to serviced offices in the Gasworld building in Peisley Street.
PRD principal Nigel Strutt confirmed a long-running dispute with the landlord Christine Norris.
Mr Strutt said the dispute was over the “poor condition of the building and amenities for staff”.
“I sought to be let out of the lease but in the end the landlord chose to terminate the lease,” he said.
Mr Strutt said he’d stopped paying rent due to issues over building maintenance.
PRD has posted contact details on the door asking its clients to contact company principals via their mobile phones.
Ms Norris, who owned PRD before selling it to Mr Strutt, was unable to comment.
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