January  31st  2018

We live in a country that is obsessed with home ownership.The 

housing policies

 of most political parties is still driven by the assumption that home ownership is the choice for everyone who can afford it.

But what is home ownership meant to provide that other types of housing cannot? A recent survey by The University of Birmingham [ England ] found that social renters were less likely to be as anxious than home owners,after considering factors such as poor health,low incomes and the stress of bringing up a family.But living in social housing  played a positive role in helping tenants deal with stresses and provided emotional as well as financial security.In fact most tenants felt that they were not missing out on the dream of home ownership with all its strains and stresses of financial struggles  to keep their home.

Making more homes available for social renters is a financial  and political challenge for the government,but is the right choice as home ownership has slipped away for many,at least a generation or two.

The present government has the opportunity to transform the rental housing market from the destruction of social housing by the previous government,let all New Zealanders support them on this transformation,it is in everyone's best interest.

January 26th 2018

                               Welcome to 2018,from everyone at the Manawatu Tenants Union.

Now that the students are returning to the city,we welcome them back,they are the sector that drives the rental market in the city.We have heard that the market is very tight at present,reasons vary to the fact that the population has increased along with more migrants arriving.

Student allowances have been increased and this has only lead to increased rents being asked for.Landlords are running a business and work for the private good not the public good,that should be kept in mind.Are concern is that while students can   pay the rent living in the flat.This very often not the case for families with children many of whom, live on a fixed income or just one income.

When seeking accommodation,remember to check out the Housing Advice Centre  they are based in King Street ,Trade Me is also the other source for accommodation seekers.Good luck.Please remember to use our web page to find out more on your rights and obligations as a tenant,don't leave it to chance.

The new Labour led government promises to be the most transformative government in a generation.After 9 years of neglect by the National government things will change for the better.The demolition of state housing along with the selling of state housing will cease and the homeless  this created will take time at leased two terms in office to address the issue of homelessness.

Tenants rights are  also being given a much needed lift concerning the changing nature of the provision of rental accommodation in today's New Zealand.Letting fees will be abolished,which brings the country into line with other western countries.A reason will be required when a tenant is issued with  a 90 day notice by the landlord/ agent,at the moment it is not required.42 day notices will be be increased to 90 days the reason given is this will give tenants more time to find suitable accommodation which will be good for families with children in the local school and gives much more stability to the family and the wider community.Rent increases will be limited to once every 12 months ,at present the rent can be increased every 6 months  with 60 days notice given to the tenant of the increase.

We will keep you up with the changes and don't forget to contact us if you have any issues with you landlord/agent,ring 027 5422 071 anytime or call into the office in Community House  77 King Street.