It’s Time For A Better Future for Renters!

New data shows conditions for renters are still dire, but Renters United has a plan to fix it. 

The Aotearoa Renters’ Survey (released today by Renters United and Action Station) surveyed more than 3000 renters across Aotearoa, and shows renters are still doing it tough. 

“The findings paint a picture of a broken rental system that is failing renters” says Renters United President Luke Somerville. “Rents are still too high, rentals are still cold and mouldy, and renters are still not getting a fair deal.”

It found:

• 91% of renters have not had their rent reduced in the last 6 months.
• 50% of renters spend more than half their income on rent
• 4 in 10 renters have issues with dampness or mould in their properties

We have a plan to make the rental system work. 

“A Better Future for Renters is our plan for what a fixed rental system would look like. It builds upon existing legal frameworks to rebalance the relationship between renters and their landlords.”

“These actions span eight themes and show how we can fix the rental landscape – making rents fair, homes healthy, and life better for renters.”

“We are releasing this today alongside the findings from the Aotearoa Renters Survey to show that these very real problems can be easily addressed”

“Requiring landlords to negotiate rent increases with their tenants would ensure that rent increases have a demonstrated reason, and give tenants an opportunity to have their say,” says Luke. 

Introducing renters unions would allow renters to band together for fairer rent. “The current system puts all the power in the hands of landlords. When a renter challenges their landlord alone seeking fairer rent or better living conditions, they risk losing their place to live. If renters can challenge their landlords together, they can make real change.”

Mediation by default will ensure a restorative approach is taken to rental disputes. “This allows for more issues to be resolved outside the tribunal process, reducing stress on renters and landlords alike.”

“Enforcing the Healthy Homes Standards and prosecuting bad landlords would ensure homes are warm and dry, and that landlords who continually breach their obligations to renters face real consequences for their actions.”

Taken together, a Better Future for Renters presents a credible policy platform to fix the issues and improve the lives of renters across Aotearoa.

“For too long renters have endured unsafe housing and an imbalance of power, all while the number of people renting in Aotearoa continues to rise. It’s time for a Better Future for Renters.”

About the author:

Quintin Jane

In: News, Press Releases. Tags: future, media, plan, renters, survey
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