Candidate Keir Leslie answers Renters United’s questions

VOTE HOUSING: LOCAL BODY 2022

Renters United asked every candidate in the Cashmere Ward 17 questions about the issues that most concern renters in their ward. Here are Keir Leslie’s responses in full.

Rapid fire questions

Are you a renter? No
Do you own any properties? Yes
Do you support the Renters United Healthy Homes Commitment? Yes
Do you commit to funding tenant advocacy? Yes
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? Yes

Stable homes

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

Rental law is obviously set at a national level and further reforms are needed to drive more stability and security. Councils can use planning tools to take the heat out of overheated rental markets and can fund advocacy groups like TPA to maximise the benefit to tenants of current laws. I am committed to working with TPA Chch to put them on a long term sustainable footing and would be absolutely committed to delivering long term funding to ensure that

How will you ensure all council tenants have security of tenure?

Council or community housing provider tenants (in Chch) should have security of tenure and I would instruct the provider to ensure that happens. CCC is a major social landlord and one key commitment of mines is to get the number of places back to and above pre-earthquake levels

What steps will you take to end homelessness in Christchurch?

In my work I often work with or advocate on behalf of people experiencing homelessness or poorly housed. For many people experiencing homelessness there’s a complex of issues involved with this, and mental health and addiction issues are a driver of homelessness.

The most important step Council can take is to continue to invest in the Housing First model and partnerships to deliver a housing first approach that provides housing without preconditions around sobriety.

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?

Funding advocacy organisations like Tenants Protection and Community Law and empowering them to pursue bad landlords. Property management agencies should be regulated nationally but I would be keen to explore local options

What do you think Council should do to address power imbalance between landlords and tenants? If nothing, why?

Funding organisations like TPA is a way to empower tenants. Property managers and landlords should be regulated and face consequences when they don’t live up to their obligations. Primarily the RTA/Tenancy Tribunal/MBIE are central government responsibilities.

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 don’t think Councils should be involved in rent controls but nationwide there should be more controls to allow renters stability in terms of their rent over the long term

What do you think are the main reasons rents in Christchurch are increasing? How would you ensure rents in Christchurch are affordable?

Rents in Christchurch are a reflection of the property market, and in New Zealand that reflects primarily a long term failure to build an adequate number of new houses per year. In the long run, maintaining housing affordability overall will bring a better balance to the rental market.

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?

Advocate to government for higher standards and more enforcement powers

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

About the author:

rentersunited

In: Christchurch, Elections 2022. .