Dunedin students still bearing the brunt of an unfair rental market – survey

A survey conducted by Dunedin MP Rachel Brooking and provided to Renters United shows students are still struggling with cold, mouldy, and expensive flats. More than ever, students need A Better Future for Renters, to improve their conditions, and bring about a fairer rental system, with better rents and warmer flats.

• 92% of those flatting in a group described their flats as ‘cold’ or ‘very cold’.
• While 74% of the respondents were aware of the Healthy Homes Standards, only 33% thought their homes were compliant with the standards.

Respondents noted widespread lack of wall, floor, and underfloor insulation, with many flats only partially insulated or exempt due to building age or inaccessibility. Many renters felt landlords dismissed or delayed addressing issues, sometimes citing exemptions from Healthy Homes Standards due to the age or construction of buildings. When this happens, there is little recourse for renters.

It is clear that the Healthy Homes standards are not being enforced properly. Recent audits of Dunedin flats showed that around two-thirds of those inspected were not compliant with the standards – consistent with the findings of this survey. Additionally, the number one issue for student renters responding to this survey was heating. Despite the introduction of the Healthy Homes standards, Dunedin flats are still not up to scratch. Homes are still non-compliant, and too draughty and damp to heat properly. Something has to change.

It’s time to truly enforce the Healthy Homes standards, through random inspections and meaningful consequences for non-compliance. It shouldn’t be on renters to have to report these breaches, or to have to take their landlords to the Tribunal to have their right to a safe and healthy home upheld.

Interestingly, 60% of respondents acknowledged they rent from property management companies. With only a small number of property management companies responsible for the Dunedin student property market, this concentrates the power in the hands of property managers and allows them significant influence over the rental market.

Imagine a world, where student renters’ unions were able to take on the big property management companies, to negotiate fairer rent structures, and force better conditions for renters. A world where the Otago University Students Association, could collectively bargain on behalf of students to negotiate rents, force repairs, and mobilise students for better conditions. A Better Future for Renters would set up a legal framework for this to happen. We need to flip the rental market on its head, and break down the power imbalances that lead to renters being taken advantage of.

Renters shouldn’t have to be cold in their homes. When 92% of students are cold, something needs to change. It’s time for a better future for renters.

About the author:

Quintin Jane

In: A Better Future for Renters. .