May 22nd 2017
Now that there are more people renting than ever before,due to families being locked out of the first home ownership market.The culture of renting is now embedded into New Zealand society due to the failures of the present government.
The cost of renting is now consuming a larger slice of tenants incomes,here in Palmerston North an average house will set you back $3,500 just to secure a house/flat housing costs are a serious problem for an increasing number of tenants,as demand outstrips supply.
One answer to this issue would be to abolish letting fees being charged by property management agencies [one weeks rent +GST ] that tenants have to pay to secure a property.Landlords should pay this fee not the tenant,as is the case in other developed countries including the UK.
Rents are already out of control with landlords increasing their property wealth at the expense of struggling tenants,the new underclass in New Zealand.
Another issue which has been on the back burner for sometime and is seen as a no-go area for central governments is the case of unclaimed bond money.The MTU has over the years,stated that some of the unclaimed bond money could assist tenants organisations to a degree,some money should be spent on education informing tenants on their rights and obligations through TV and social media outlets.Print media is a waste of time and money,TV adverts,short and sharp are a much more effective way to connect with tenants.
Housing poverty is no longer concerned with unanswered need ,it is measured against unattainable wealth.At present the housing poor have become more isolated than ever,we pass this isolation down on their children.
Interesting to read that some landlords are pushing the idea of charging a late payment fee for their tenants who fall behind behind paying their rent on time. At present landlords can issue a 14 day notice [most landlords issue these notices ] to catch up,they have the option of going to the tenancy tribunal if their tenants fall 21 days behind seeking their eviction.Mortgage repayments are not the concern of tenants landlords should budget for such contingencies,they are running a business not a community service.
