Candidate Michael Kampkes 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 Michael Kampkes’ 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? No
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? No
Do you commit to densifying inner city suburbs? No
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?

Firstly, your yes-no section above is a blunt instrument. A comment section is needed with each. Where I have said no generally my policy is not to promise increases in council costs your proposals appear to do, which are then borne by ratepayers via rate increases who ultimately pass these onto tenants. The council is at its debt ceiling so every extra dollar of cost will be recovered from rates. Your question re healthy homes is worth consideration and if council are not meeting their statutory obligations then I would have that investigated, but I won’t sign your document without full analysis of anticipated costs. If elected I would have that analysis carried out
Secondly, my preference is homes are affordable and New Zealanders can seek stability by owning their own home. With a more stable population now, and buidling completions at a record high house prices should continue to decline , but in answer to your question-
Stable Homes- I have policy on increasing affordable housing and support councils social housing policy. This will lead more people into ownership and put less pressure on the rental stock. This will improve a renter’s ability to negotiate long-term rental agreements. There is no reason why 15 year agreements seen in the commercial sector could not be replicated in the private sector. That is between the tenant and the landlord and requires good faith and trust.

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

My view is Council provided housing is a stepping stone for people to have basic shelter until they are in a position to support themselves into their own home or free market rental accommodation. With the privilege of subsidised housing comes the responsibility to work towards financial independence while in the security of community care.

What steps will you take to end homelessness in Auckland?

By underpinning the market with social and affordable homes we should expect the real estate to continue to decline and stabilise & provide homes for the homeless. I make no promise to end it

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?

If there are mechanisms to do so at no significant cost then absolutely. I am not close enough to this issue to to say what. You can hold me to this when I am mayor

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

The tenancy tribunal is a function of central government. I have no plans to replicate that service. If it is not functioning then you need to petition your local MP in the first instance.

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?

Yes central government must work in tandem with local government in the social housing arena. Central government are primarily responsible for the situation we are in through irresponsible levels of immigration over the least 15 years and at the same time walking away from the provision of social housing. No to rent control, it will simply drive landlords to get out of the rental market and make matters worse . By underpinning the market with social and affordable homes we should expect the real estate to continue to decline and stabilise. That will result in more reasonable rents over time.

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

I believe right now rents are at there peak. With 8 months of price decline in the real estate market and rental queues disappearing (and Auckland’s population is actually falling ) no tenant should be facing an increase if so shop around
By underpinning the market with social and affordable homes we should expect the real estate to continue to decline and stabilise. That will result in more reasonable rents over time.

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?

By underpinning the market with social and affordable homes we should expect the real estate to continue to decline and stabilise. More homes available at the bottom end of the market will force slum landlords to upgrade in order to attract tenants

Anything else you want to share?

Below are my policies on better utilising existing housing stock and and incentivising the building of modest more affordable homes.
Ensure existing housing stock is being fully utilised.
-The practice of buying or building properties with no intention to immediately house people in them will be subject to a monetary penalty.
-Any existing dwelling empty for a period of four months will, from that point, be subject to a rate surcharge equivalent to the rent that can be expected from that property. Proceeds to go to Council’s social housing program.
-Create an incentive scheme to encourage empty nesters to take in border(s)/ sub lease.
-Encourage retirees to downsize or move to retirement villages
-Encourage tasteful retirement village development.

Encouraging Sensible Affordable Home Building-
Ensure scarce building resources are directed to the building of modest and entry-level homes. This will include monetary incentives for development, building consents,
inspections and rates and any other practical monetary means. Funded by higher charges applied to large poorly utilised new built homes.
Including non-monetary incentives for modest homes as follows:
-Allow living access prior to completion.
-Provide a 15-year completion window for non-essential elements of the build.
-Encourage sweat equity.

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: Auckland, Elections 2022. .