Manawatu Tenants Union
Two Tier Society
Affordable rental housing is perhaps the greatest social issue of the decade.To achieve a fundamental change in state housing,will require the power of central government.Increasing numbers of people want government to use its considerable power to do good,to cut poverty,rebuild public services and give people hope.
The lack of affordable rental housing is a health and inequality time bomb.Day after day we hear and read media reports of children,yes children living on the streets of Auckland.Many other families live in cars,garages or are living in overcrowded housing,and we wonder why we have a two tier society. These problems are to be found here in Palmerston North,it is just not an Auckland issue it is nation wide.
The Manawatu Tenants Union along with other community agencies in the city deal with a growing tide of homeless families.A number of families are housed in motels as they are not seen in need of a state house.Make no mistake housing is in crisis and needs to be rebuilt into a state asset,like the one that served the country well for decades.The need has never been greater,as the housing crisis is here and will not go away.If you are not outraged-you're not paying attention.
The government appears to be turning a blind eye to the problems their housing policies are causing thousands of New Zealand families,all political parties should be trying to sort out the mess that is Housing New Zealand.
Homelessness in the City
We all know that politicians are creatures of the short-term,who prefer to ignore the big issues that need to be addressed.Affordable,decent rental accommodation is a big issue,as home ownership has become a mirage for the majority of New Zealanders.But our politicians seem to be saying more and more about less than less.
Central government says that the answer to unaffordable housing to charge people more rent,by moving state tenants into the private rental sector.Portrayal in the media of tenants living in state housing is due to an embarrassing personal failure.It is supported by central government as a relic from the past,rather than a public legacy to be proud of.
There is no denying that there is a major problem of unavailability of state housing.The MTU has seen a growing number of women and their families in serious housing need,homelessness is increasing in the city of Palmerston North.
Politicians came from a world they no longer represent.There has to be a change in housing policy for the social well-being of the present generation.We owe them that.If nothing else,housing is the cornerstone of family life and supports a stable community.
TENANTS WARNING
The Manawatu Tenants Union has concerns about the use of a Pre- Occupation Fee being charged by Property management companies.It is now a refundable fee,where previously it was charged as a an administration fee.The Manawatu Tenants Union is of the opinion that the fee was Key Money,which is prohibited under clause 17 of the RTA.
Clause 18a of the RTA states that a landlord may not require a tenant to provide the landlord with any form of security to secure any payment or performance arising out of,or in connection, with the tenancy.
However a landlord could charge a Pre- Occupation Fee,as long as the total of all money collected,as bond,did not exceed the equivalent of 4 weeks bond and it was lodged with the bond office.
The MTU is collecting information on this practice and we are interested in speaking with tenants about their experience's concerning add on fee's.You can contact us on 06 3577435 and leave a message if there is no one to answer the phone or call into the Community House King Street Palmerston North.
HOUSING CRISIS
Solving the housing crisis is critical to removing poverty in New Zealand.The lack of affordable rental housing and its impact on health and inequality is creating a time bomb,as the country faces its biggest housing crisis since the 1990s.
Benefit cuts have had the effect of social cleansing.The accommodation Supplement is capped therefore tenants struggle to meet their rental obligations.The Manawatu Tenants Union is in contact with politicians and landlords and is surprised to find that these groups have little contact or knowledge of the issues facing average tenants.Landlords are not involved in tackling poverty,on the other side of the coin state housing and council officers are keen to assist in reducing poverty.
Present housing policies are not the answer to the crisis.Developing new state housing will go some way to help New Zealanders into rental housing that they can afford.Selling off state houses to private landlords is not the way to go,it is the main factor that created the housing crisis that the country faces today.It is an idea that failed and only made the poor,poorer.We need leadership not a return to a bleak past.
A Living Rent
The idea of a living wage seems to have stalled in New Zealand so the time has arrived for a living rent as the number of tenants being forced into poverty continues to increase.
Rent controls are the norm in most European countries,where tenants outnumber home owners.New Zealand is now a member of that club,so the Government should be looking at similar rent controls.
Rents should be set at affordable levels so increases don't force tenants into poverty.Rents should be determined by the quality,size,location and facilities of the home.Make no mistake,rental accommodation is the number one issue for the majority of tenants.
A living rent is not a big ask,to help maintain a stable and secure community.Rent control offers certainty and protection for tenants in dealing with the realities of high rents.It should be noted that renters are voters and have the power to influence Governments.
Kevin Reilly MTU
The Manawatu Tenants Union has organised a photo exhibition at the Palmerston North City Library''Poverty in the City.''The photo exhibition will run till the end of this month July.The exhibition was opened on July 2nd. and there were over 50 people at the opening,Wiremu Te Awe Awe opened the exhibition and LaweranceO'Halloran spokeon the subject of poverty in the land of plenty
Manawatu Tenants Union Annual Report 2015
Housing has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons in the last year.Secure affordable shelter has become a serious issue for a growing number of tenants,and the number of disputes with their landlord has been increasing as well.
Disputes range from : bond refunds, eviction notices,90 day notices,getting repairs done,and indicate a breakdown in communication between landlord and tenant.It seems like class warfare as the disputes escalate,at the end of the day the landlord holds all the cards with their power and control of tenants lives.
The time taken to get a Tribunal hearing takes longer due to the increasing number of renters which puts pressure on the service.The system is working,it just needs reviewed to reflect the change in New Zealand society.Affordable housing shortages in the private sector coupled with a push by Housing New Zealand to evict tenants and to sell state housing to private landlords,will only see affordable disappear from the reach of those who really need it.Many families will likely become homeless,the need for affordable housing has never been greater.The poorest people in our city are increasingly precarious lives,as they struggle to pay their rent and support their families.
In 1995 the Manawatu Tenants Union proposed the introduction of a Warrant of Fitness for all rental properties around New Zealand.The vast majority of sub-standard houses are in the private sector even though the media only pick on state houses when highlighting the poor condition of rental housing,this is misleading. This also gives the present government another reason to sell off all state housing,it is wrong.This a convincing reason for the introduction of a Warrant of Fitness to cover all rental housing.
With housing turning out to the issue of concern among New Zealanders at present and unlikely to go away any time soon now is the time to insist that the housing issues are put right.The Manawatu Tenants Union would like all the political parties to look into setting up a Register of Landlords. This would mean that all those renting housing would be registered with the local authority and they should be of good character etc.Landlords require all sorts of information from tenants,references,credit check,employment status and criminal record if any.Landlord registration will not happen in the short term but will become mainstream in the future,it should be noted renters will out number home owners sometime soon and they are voters.Political parties will ignore them at their peril.
Those of us who work in the social sector have a responsibility to government that present housing policies are not working and its time for rethink on this most important aspect of peoples lives a roof over their heads.
The MTU will hold its AGM on Friday 26th June at 12.00 in the Community House King Street Palmerston North,everyone is welcome.
Housing has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons in the last year.Secure affordable shelter has become a serious issue for a growing number of tenants,and the number of disputes with their landlord has been increasing as well.
Disputes range from : bond refunds, eviction notices,90 day notices,getting repairs done,and indicate a breakdown in communication between landlord and tenant.It seems like class warfare as the disputes escalate,at the end of the day the landlord holds all the cards with their power and control of tenants lives.
The time taken to get a Tribunal hearing takes longer due to the increasing number of renters which puts pressure on the service.The system is working,it just needs reviewed to reflect the change in New Zealand society.Affordable housing shortages in the private sector coupled with a push by Housing New Zealand to evict tenants and to sell state housing to private landlords,will only see affordable disappear from the reach of those who really need it.Many families will likely become homeless,the need for affordable housing has never been greater.The poorest people in our city are increasingly precarious lives,as they struggle to pay their rent and support their families.
In 1995 the Manawatu Tenants Union proposed the introduction of a Warrant of Fitness for all rental properties around New Zealand.The vast majority of sub-standard houses are in the private sector even though the media only pick on state houses when highlighting the poor condition of rental housing,this is misleading. This also gives the present government another reason to sell off all state housing,it is wrong.This a convincing reason for the introduction of a Warrant of Fitness to cover all rental housing.
With housing turning out to the issue of concern among New Zealanders at present and unlikely to go away any time soon now is the time to insist that the housing issues are put right.The Manawatu Tenants Union would like all the political parties to look into setting up a Register of Landlords. This would mean that all those renting housing would be registered with the local authority and they should be of good character etc.Landlords require all sorts of information from tenants,references,credit check,employment status and criminal record if any.Landlord registration will not happen in the short term but will become mainstream in the future,it should be noted renters will out number home owners sometime soon and they are voters.Political parties will ignore them at their peril.
Those of us who work in the social sector have a responsibility to government that present housing policies are not working and its time for rethink on this most important aspect of peoples lives a roof over their heads.
The MTU will hold its AGM on Friday 26th June at 12.00 in the Community House King Street Palmerston North,everyone is welcome.
Interesting to read Social Housing Minister Paula Bennett's comment that tenants were disadvantaged by the present state housing system.I could not agree more,as under this government,Housing New Zealand has become a "no go area"for the thousands looking for affordable housing around the country. Many of these New Zealanders don't have the choice the minister claims.A growing number of New Zealander's live on low incomes and private landlords charge too much in rents.
It should be noted that members of the National Party earn extra income by renting out properties,keeps on increasing.It just highlights that the political class has a vested interest in maintaining the status quo,instead of strengthening the state housing system.
Hi There.
The poorest people in our society are living increasingly precarious lives,and Housing New Zealand tenants are getting a raw deal.
Any affordable housing shortage in the private sector,coupled with a push to evict Housing New Zealand tenants will see more tenants and their families likely to become homeless.Many tenants are likely to be in debt,just meeting their cost of living expenses.
The Manawatu Tenants Union along with other community agencies is seeing increasing numbers in tenants with serious housing needs.The need for affordable rental accommodation has never been greater,yet the government agency Housing New Zealand,refuses to use vacant state houses for those in serious need.
Instead of assisting families they are targeting the poor with eviction notices,Why! The governments housing policies are in melt down,and this situation gives them the opportunity to sell off another state asset,state housing.
It should be noted that government members came from a world that they no longer represent.
Hi There.
The government have little oversight of our housing needs and no coherent national plan for the future of our housing needs,indeed they refuse to say that there is a crisis in the rental accommodation market.When it comes to housing it would seem that housing has an identity crisis,is it a basic human right,like our universal commitment to the right to an education.
The present housing policies are complicated and unwieldy,so much so that the Salvation Army and the Methodist Mission have stated that they will not be participating in any transfer of state houses. This will make the government happy as they will now sell them to private investors,saying they spoke to social housing providers and they rejected the offer to transfer the state houses to their keeping.
There is no doubt about the intentions of the government to remove its self from provision of rental housing at a time when the need for affordable housing has never been greater.
The government have little oversight of our housing needs and no coherent national plan for the future of our housing needs,indeed they refuse to say that there is a crisis in the rental accommodation market.When it comes to housing it would seem that housing has an identity crisis,is it a basic human right,like our universal commitment to the right to an education.
The present housing policies are complicated and unwieldy,so much so that the Salvation Army and the Methodist Mission have stated that they will not be participating in any transfer of state houses. This will make the government happy as they will now sell them to private investors,saying they spoke to social housing providers and they rejected the offer to transfer the state houses to their keeping.
There is no doubt about the intentions of the government to remove its self from provision of rental housing at a time when the need for affordable housing has never been greater.
The Manawatu Tenants Union is setting up a photo exhibition at the PN City Library entitled ''Poverty in the City ''.The MTU would like to speak with people who would be prepered to have their photo taken and provide a short statement on their present circumstances.How much their income,how much rent they pay,the cost of food and doctors visits for them and their children.
If you are interested in being involved,please give me a ring on 06 3577435 anytime and leave me your contact phone number and I will contact you.
Remember Welfare doesn't families-----Poverty does.
Kevin Reilly Manawatu Tenants Union
Community House
King Street
Palmerston North
Hi There.
The Manawatu Tenants Union would like to take this opportunity to thank all the social housing tenants who signed a petition requesting that the Palmerston North City Council retain ownership of its pensioner and social housing portfolio.
The petition was presented to the PNCC community development committee,durning the submissions debate.It was disappointing that Grey Power and a number of church groups did not provide submission on behalf of their vulnerable members.While some councillors want to transfer ownership of the housing portfolio to a trust,the population is ageing and more pensioner housing will be required to meet this demand.
The PNCC councillors set the standards in good landlord practices for the city,private investors take their lead.It is vital that the PNCC retains its good reputation as the leading landlord in the city and retains its vital pensioner housing.
The final decision will be made by PNCC councillors on March 9th,we trust that they do the right thing,in providing leadership in this essential area of community life.We will of course keep you up with the decision they make.
Kevin Reilly
The Manawatu Tenants Union would like to take this opportunity to thank all the social housing tenants who signed a petition requesting that the Palmerston North City Council retain ownership of its pensioner and social housing portfolio.
The petition was presented to the PNCC community development committee,durning the submissions debate.It was disappointing that Grey Power and a number of church groups did not provide submission on behalf of their vulnerable members.While some councillors want to transfer ownership of the housing portfolio to a trust,the population is ageing and more pensioner housing will be required to meet this demand.
The PNCC councillors set the standards in good landlord practices for the city,private investors take their lead.It is vital that the PNCC retains its good reputation as the leading landlord in the city and retains its vital pensioner housing.
The final decision will be made by PNCC councillors on March 9th,we trust that they do the right thing,in providing leadership in this essential area of community life.We will of course keep you up with the decision they make.
Kevin Reilly
Those who cannot remember the past are condemmed to repeat it.The present National led government should be aware of this saying.
The National led government of Jim Bolger brought in the 1993 Housing Reform package.Market rents for state house tenants and the accommodation supplement,a subsidy to private landlords,now costing the New Zealand taxpayer $1.2 billion every year and increasing.
The reform,s also introduced a programme called "Tenants right to buy".The government sold 13,000 plus states homes,but only 8% of tenants were in a position to purchase their home,92%were sold to private landlords and on average at $16,000 less than sitting tenants.
These reform,s ended the "first home ownership " policies that had served New Zealand well over the years.New Zealand had one of the highest home ownership rates in the western world at the time.State Advances,Housing Corp. Loans along with ability to captalise on benefits were wiped by the stroke of the minister,s pen [John Luxton].
Fast forward to 2015 to the Key National led government,the only difference being that it is now mission impossible for a poor family to obtain a state home.The government has raised the bar,for many poor families seeking affordable housing this explains the record small numbers on the waiting lists around the country.
The National Party,s dislike of state housing is embedded in its DNA,their housing policies have created the housing poverty we see today,its market failure by anyones standard.If the missing million voters had voted it may have been a different outcome for the future of their children and grand children.
The National led government of Jim Bolger brought in the 1993 Housing Reform package.Market rents for state house tenants and the accommodation supplement,a subsidy to private landlords,now costing the New Zealand taxpayer $1.2 billion every year and increasing.
The reform,s also introduced a programme called "Tenants right to buy".The government sold 13,000 plus states homes,but only 8% of tenants were in a position to purchase their home,92%were sold to private landlords and on average at $16,000 less than sitting tenants.
These reform,s ended the "first home ownership " policies that had served New Zealand well over the years.New Zealand had one of the highest home ownership rates in the western world at the time.State Advances,Housing Corp. Loans along with ability to captalise on benefits were wiped by the stroke of the minister,s pen [John Luxton].
Fast forward to 2015 to the Key National led government,the only difference being that it is now mission impossible for a poor family to obtain a state home.The government has raised the bar,for many poor families seeking affordable housing this explains the record small numbers on the waiting lists around the country.
The National Party,s dislike of state housing is embedded in its DNA,their housing policies have created the housing poverty we see today,its market failure by anyones standard.If the missing million voters had voted it may have been a different outcome for the future of their children and grand children.
Wouldn't it be good if the PNCC took the lead in supporting a Warrant of Fitness for all their rental properties.It would be a first for New Zealand,and could show the way forward for other local authorities.
Property Investors may also be encouraged to ensure that their rental properties were fit for purpose.It would be a win,win for the city,and its growing number of renters.It could be a city with decent accommodation for all its residents.
This would be a plus in attracting more students to the city,and ensure their parents would be happy in the knowledge their children are in safe accommodation.
Make Palmerston North first choice in leading the field in providing good rental housing.
You can speak to the City Council on this serious issue on MONDAY 9th. FEBUARY @9.00am. The council building in the square is where the meeting will take place,even if you dont wish to speak come along and listen to what the city councillors think on this issue,could be interesting your presence could make the difference.If you would like to have your say ring Penny O Dell on 3568199 ext.8333 ,its at the begining of the meeting under public comment.
Property Investors may also be encouraged to ensure that their rental properties were fit for purpose.It would be a win,win for the city,and its growing number of renters.It could be a city with decent accommodation for all its residents.
This would be a plus in attracting more students to the city,and ensure their parents would be happy in the knowledge their children are in safe accommodation.
Make Palmerston North first choice in leading the field in providing good rental housing.
You can speak to the City Council on this serious issue on MONDAY 9th. FEBUARY @9.00am. The council building in the square is where the meeting will take place,even if you dont wish to speak come along and listen to what the city councillors think on this issue,could be interesting your presence could make the difference.If you would like to have your say ring Penny O Dell on 3568199 ext.8333 ,its at the begining of the meeting under public comment.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)