Residents in a block of Wellington Council flats say they no longer feel safe after a woman was found dead on Saturday.
The tragedy is sparking a review into council housing across the city.
One resident, who Newshub has agreed not to identify, is fearing for his safety.
"It was frightening because you don't expect to wake up in the morning, look out your window and find the neighbourhood tapped off with police and forensics everywhere," he said.
"I'm on edge, I've been on edge since I found out about it."
The man accussed of the woman's murder appeared in Hutt Valley District Court on Monday morning - his name is suppressed.
The 42-year-old wore a grey gown, typically worn to prevent people from harming themselves. He appeared emotionless in the dock.
The alleged murderer has been remanded in custody to reappear in the High Court next month.
In a separate case - a Christchurch man appeared in court on murder charges after another person was killed in a community housing complex.
This Wellington man says crime is common where he lives, but complaints to the council go nowhere.
"It's like talking to a brick wall, I just feel like they're not listening," he says.
But the council says it is listening.
"I've had tenants raise concerns about crime about their own personal safety," Wellington Council member Fleur Fitzsimons says.
The latest homicide has prompted the council to launch a review into safety at all 1900 of its social housing units.
That can't come soon enough for residents who have just lost one of their own.
