While we are informed that the Christchurch rebuild is leading the economic recovery,there is a dark side to the rebuild.Affordable rental accommodation is difficult to secure and tenants are having to deal with rapacious rental agencies. These agencies have introduced a fee to renew an existing tenancy agreement.The letting fee at the start of a tenancy is one weeks rent plus GST.It should be noted that there is no administration involved in renewing an existing tenancy agreement just  a change of date.they just roll over.

Add on costs for tenants here in Palmerston North are a "pre-occupation bond '' and a 'break tenancy fee ' this is unfair as the tenant who wants to end the agreement  has still got to pay the rent and seek a suitable replacement tenant. We consider these agencies to be exploitative when dealing with tenants.There is a strong tenant,landlord dynamic at play,in which
the former are seen as socially inferior to the latter.

It has never been a better time to be landlord as these increased costs only create instability and a climate of fear for tenants.It is wrong, and should have no place in New Zealand society,which still likes to see itself as a fair and just society.We will be following the progress of these increases on tenants and keep you informed.