Candidate Dipak Bhana answers Renters United’s questions

VOTE HOUSING: LOCAL BODY 2022

Renters United asked every candidate in the Paekawakawa/Southern Ward 17 questions about the issues that most concern renters in their ward. Here are Dipak Bhana’s responses in full.

Rapid fire questions

Are you a renter? No
Do you own any properties? No
Do you support the Renters United Healthy Homes Commitment? Yes
Do you commit to funding tenant advocacy? No
Do you support councils retaining ownership an expanding supply of council housing? Yes
Will you lobby for IRRS to be extended to councils? Yes
Do you commit to densifying inner city suburbs? Yes
Will you commit to using your platform to abolish the ratepayers roll? No

Stable homes

What actions would you take to improve stability and security for private renters?

I would support Rental Warrent of Fitness and also healthy home standard

How will you ensure all council tenants have security of tenure?
I would support that the rental is fit for purpose and that it fits there current needs

What steps will you take to end homelessness in Wellington?
I would refer anyone that is homeless to DMC out reach team to help

Meaningful enforcement

If elected, would you take steps to tackle persistent bad landlords who do not meet their obligations to renters in your area? If so, what?

I would take a balance approached and I would support tenancy tribunial with resolving disputes

What do you think Council should do to address power imbalance between landlords and tenants? If nothing, why?
I would support cases going to tenacy tribunal and highlight help at citizens advice

Fair rent

Would you advocate for additional powers or resources from Central Government to address the housing crisis (such as legislating for Rent Control), if so what and how?
I would support how the council intiative whic is where your rent is subsidised by 30%. This means that you pay 70% of the ‘market rate’.
Once a year, the Council reviews your income and assets to check if you still qualify for this type of housing.

What do you think are the main reasons rents in Wellington are increasing? How would you ensure rents in Wellington are affordable?
Cost of living has increased, interest rate increased, and deductable expenses have been reduced, less rental homes on the market also there have been a number of properties that have gone to short term rentals.

Safe and healthy homes

What actions (in contrast to or in conjunction with our Healthy Homes Commitment) would you take to improve the quality of private rental housing in your ward and in your city?

If the houses are owned by council I would like to ensure the Heathly home stanards have been applied

Anything else you want to share?

No answer provided

If you are a candidate or representative of a candidate and wish to correct or elaborate on the information please contact lbe22@rentersunited.org.nz.

Authorised by Geordie Rogers, geordie@rentersunited.org.nz

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rentersunited

In: Elections 2022, Wellington. .