November 9th.
Interesting to read the news from Tenancy Services,that their compliance and Investigations team have begun inspecting rental homes and how disappointed with what they found in Dunedin.
Dunedin is the first stop and there will be other operations around the country ,large cities as well as rural areas will be visited.They have stated that they will not hesitate to take action for breaches of tenancy law,these are subject to a penalty of up to $4000 per breach. They have new powers to monitor and enforce compliance with the act,this includes the power to prosecute landlords who seriously or persistently breach housing standards standards.
Priorities include smoke alarms,damp and sub-standard housing and insulation.Lets trust that is not all talk,tenants need to act on rogue landlords,ring 0800 673 262 for more information on the new services being provided,and make sure you report sub-standard housing.
The Manawatu Tenants Union has been active in trying to introduce a register for all landlords with their local council,this is common practice in many other European countries. Tenants have to give a lot of personal information about them and their families.The same is at not required of their landlord.The register would be a good indication that their landlord was of good character and a fair landlord to deal with.The register would be seen as a code of good practice for their rental business,it would be of assistance to the increasing number of overseas born landlords about their rights and obligations as good landlords.The register will be required in the future as more people will be renting for most of their lives,and are entitled to accommodation that is fit for purpose,after all they pay high rents.
