Manawatu Tenants Union
THE ELECTION.
The National led government have announced that the general election will take place on September 20th,so we would to encourage all tenants to make sure they are on the electoral roll or the Maori roll so you can have your say as to which political party you would like to see run the country.The choice is in your hands, so make sure you vote as it will have an impact on you and your family and will shape the future of New Zealand. It is very important to remember that many New Zealanders fought and died so that you can have your say in who will govern your country.The Manawatu Tenants Union will keep you up with the play on the various political parties housing policies and will make comment on other social policies which will impact on everyone.So dont forget to enroll and have your say on the day.
The National led government have announced that the general election will take place on September 20th,so we would to encourage all tenants to make sure they are on the electoral roll or the Maori roll so you can have your say as to which political party you would like to see run the country.The choice is in your hands, so make sure you vote as it will have an impact on you and your family and will shape the future of New Zealand. It is very important to remember that many New Zealanders fought and died so that you can have your say in who will govern your country.The Manawatu Tenants Union will keep you up with the play on the various political parties housing policies and will make comment on other social policies which will impact on everyone.So dont forget to enroll and have your say on the day.
Hi There.
While there is much talk about the recovery.there is less said about a fair one,which helps those most in need.So it is good to see rental housing getting the coverage it deserves,as there is a serious housing crisis.
Affordability is an issue,as rents continue to increase and take a bigger slice of household incomes.There is a shortage of decent affordable housing around the city,which is in contrast to the statements put out by Housing New Zealand,concerning their low waiting list.The main reason for the low waiting lists is the tight rules accessing a state house.Very few people are able to meet the criteria.Basically you need to be homeless with young children to get an interview by telephone to see if you are eligible,it is tough.
While the government appear to be unconcerned about the plight of families seeking state housing.There are around 90 vacant state houses around the city,which are being vandalized. It should be noted that the taxpayers pick up the bill for the alarm systems installed and for the security firms to monitor these state homes.
Central government should be looking at ways to lease these homes if they no longer wish to use them for struggling families.They appear to have lost the vision and the social value of the state housing system,private landlords still control 85%of the rental accommodation in New Zealand,but they are never going to become a provider of last resort,the state has an obligation to ensure that all New Zealanders have a place to call home.
While there is much talk about the recovery.there is less said about a fair one,which helps those most in need.So it is good to see rental housing getting the coverage it deserves,as there is a serious housing crisis.
Affordability is an issue,as rents continue to increase and take a bigger slice of household incomes.There is a shortage of decent affordable housing around the city,which is in contrast to the statements put out by Housing New Zealand,concerning their low waiting list.The main reason for the low waiting lists is the tight rules accessing a state house.Very few people are able to meet the criteria.Basically you need to be homeless with young children to get an interview by telephone to see if you are eligible,it is tough.
While the government appear to be unconcerned about the plight of families seeking state housing.There are around 90 vacant state houses around the city,which are being vandalized. It should be noted that the taxpayers pick up the bill for the alarm systems installed and for the security firms to monitor these state homes.
Central government should be looking at ways to lease these homes if they no longer wish to use them for struggling families.They appear to have lost the vision and the social value of the state housing system,private landlords still control 85%of the rental accommodation in New Zealand,but they are never going to become a provider of last resort,the state has an obligation to ensure that all New Zealanders have a place to call home.
Hi There.
Changes to social housing is all set to take place on 14 th April 2014. If you are a HNZ tenant or on their waiting list they will be in touch with you by letter about the changes and how they will impact on your tenancy.
The main change is that MSD the Ministry of of Social Development will be taking over from HNZ and they will be handling all applications and will be doing the assessments for those seeking state housing.
Income-related rents for state house tenants will now be extended to those registered non government and community housing providers.
On that date 14th April you will see tenancy reviews introduced to all state house tenants,I belive that pensioner and special needs housing will not be effected by the introduction of these reviews.Its the usual spin to make sure that those with the greatest need, get priority so nothing changes there,however they will still be reviewed to see if their circumstances have changed.. This will see a downsizing of HNZ staff members but it is hoped that they will be offered the opportunity to work at MSD as they have a lot of knowledge on how the housing system works.
We will be keeping an eye on the new system and how it is working for tenants.
Changes to social housing is all set to take place on 14 th April 2014. If you are a HNZ tenant or on their waiting list they will be in touch with you by letter about the changes and how they will impact on your tenancy.
The main change is that MSD the Ministry of of Social Development will be taking over from HNZ and they will be handling all applications and will be doing the assessments for those seeking state housing.
Income-related rents for state house tenants will now be extended to those registered non government and community housing providers.
On that date 14th April you will see tenancy reviews introduced to all state house tenants,I belive that pensioner and special needs housing will not be effected by the introduction of these reviews.Its the usual spin to make sure that those with the greatest need, get priority so nothing changes there,however they will still be reviewed to see if their circumstances have changed.. This will see a downsizing of HNZ staff members but it is hoped that they will be offered the opportunity to work at MSD as they have a lot of knowledge on how the housing system works.
We will be keeping an eye on the new system and how it is working for tenants.
Hi There .
Have been picking up a few calls concerning tenants dogs. Private landlords usually are not keen on tenants having dogs,so if it is written in your tenancy agreement No Pets do not get one. If you do the landlord can take you to the tenancy tribunal seeking your eviction that you broke the tenancy agreement.Talk to your landlord if you are thing of getting a dog and if they agree to your request,get it in writing not just verbal.
Housing New Zealand also have a dog policy.But there is a lot more give and take, it all depends on the circumstances of the tenant whither they are blind or some other disability or a mental health issue and a pet dog is good for their well-being.
Just make sure you ask.The reasons for not allowing dogs are that they make a mess in the house and cause problems and make a mess in the garden etc..
Have been picking up a few calls concerning tenants dogs. Private landlords usually are not keen on tenants having dogs,so if it is written in your tenancy agreement No Pets do not get one. If you do the landlord can take you to the tenancy tribunal seeking your eviction that you broke the tenancy agreement.Talk to your landlord if you are thing of getting a dog and if they agree to your request,get it in writing not just verbal.
Housing New Zealand also have a dog policy.But there is a lot more give and take, it all depends on the circumstances of the tenant whither they are blind or some other disability or a mental health issue and a pet dog is good for their well-being.
Just make sure you ask.The reasons for not allowing dogs are that they make a mess in the house and cause problems and make a mess in the garden etc..
WOF.
The Warrant of Fitness has started its trial period around the country.The trial will be looking at the minimum standards,in other words fit for purpose ,not sure of the length of the pilot. We will be keeping our eye on the outcome of the survey,will be interested in how they picked the houses to be part of the survey and what condition they were in,no matter this is the start of making sure that all rental properties are fit to live in.The New Zealand taxpayer hands over $1.3 Billion to private landlords every year and this is set to increase over time as more New Zealanders have no opportunity to move into their first home,the time is long over due for a WOF,so good on the government for supporting the cause of better housing for all New Zealanders.
The Warrant of Fitness has started its trial period around the country.The trial will be looking at the minimum standards,in other words fit for purpose ,not sure of the length of the pilot. We will be keeping our eye on the outcome of the survey,will be interested in how they picked the houses to be part of the survey and what condition they were in,no matter this is the start of making sure that all rental properties are fit to live in.The New Zealand taxpayer hands over $1.3 Billion to private landlords every year and this is set to increase over time as more New Zealanders have no opportunity to move into their first home,the time is long over due for a WOF,so good on the government for supporting the cause of better housing for all New Zealanders.
Hi There.
The Manawatu Tenants Union is open for business,we hope you had a reasonable Xmas and New Years break and caught up with the family.
One of the most significant challenges that the present government can undertake this year, which will make a real difference to peoples lives,is to provide good affordable rental accommodation.The present housing crisisand growing homelessness is an obvious of housing policy failure.At present the government is just dealing with the symptoms and not the cause.
The answer is to build more rental homes that are fit for purpose.There also needs to be ways to control rent increases,which pushes people into poverty.This is an election year,so now is the time to think about how we as a country, can create a more stable housing rental sector,that works for everyone.A stable community is in all are interests.
The Manawatu Tenants Union is open for business,we hope you had a reasonable Xmas and New Years break and caught up with the family.
One of the most significant challenges that the present government can undertake this year, which will make a real difference to peoples lives,is to provide good affordable rental accommodation.The present housing crisisand growing homelessness is an obvious of housing policy failure.At present the government is just dealing with the symptoms and not the cause.
The answer is to build more rental homes that are fit for purpose.There also needs to be ways to control rent increases,which pushes people into poverty.This is an election year,so now is the time to think about how we as a country, can create a more stable housing rental sector,that works for everyone.A stable community is in all are interests.
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