Candidate Lisa Lewis answers Renters United’s questions

VOTE HOUSING: LOCAL BODY 2022

Renters United asked every Mayoral candidate in Auckland 17 questions about the issues that most concern renters in their ward. Here are Lisa Lewis’ responses in full.

Rapid fire questions

Are you a renter? Yes
Do you own any properties? No
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?

Long-term housing should not be in a motel; Is incredibly damaging to one’s mental health by not having a permanent address to call home. If elected, I want to confront the housing issues and make changes to the current lack of housing in Auckland.

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

Continue Haumaru Housing Ltd joint venture partnership between Auckland Council and The Selwyn Foundation to buy & own-your-own unit. Look at other ways to secure such stability for all.

What steps will you take to end homelessness in Auckland?

New and improved shelter.

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?

Yes; tenancy tribunal assistance

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

Amendments were made to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (the Act) which aimed to balance the rights and obligations between both landlord and tenant. A number of amendments came into force on 11 February 2021 with some more coming in early August. Ensure these amendments’ have come into force with providing information to both renters and landlords of obligations and process on how to deal with situations that may arise. Ensure all council staff are empathetic with calls and emails in relation to such matters.

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 vow to be extremally vocal about Rent Control.

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

Inflation from Government costs has severely affected all resulting in rent increases. I pledge to take a 50% pay cut if elected Mayor of Auckland (in my first year in office); an act of solidarity steps towards covid-recovery. If I get the job as Mayor of Auckland, I would go through the books, investigate, and look at how Council can cut costs so the people are not having to cover such rises. Ensuring all residential complaints are investigated and looked into in a timely and fair manner. I believe respect is warranted in a home.

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?

Consult with Hybrid Vehicle and Solar Power Panel industry *Affordable pricing *Reducing power bills with clean, green, renewable energy. This would be offered to home owners and landlords which would help renters with lower power bills.

Anything else you want to share?

Committing to delivering regulatory compliance and enforcement around breaches of the Resource Consent Management Act (RMA).

Ensuring all residential complaints are investigated and looked into in a timely and fair manner. I believe respect is warranted in a home.

Yes, the council should be able to help with rental payments whether you are a private or a council tenant; as long as you are eligible for any (or all) of the following:

Housing Benefit
Universal Credit (housing element)
Discretionary Housing Payment
Local Housing Allowance
Council tax reduction

Discounted rates considered (Dog Fees) if shown “good behavior”.

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: Auckland, Elections 2022. .