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
