Candidate Ray Chung answers Renters United’s questions

VOTE HOUSING: LOCAL BODY 2022

Renters United asked every Mayoral and ward candidate 17 questions about the issues that most concern renters in their ward. Here are Ray Chung’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? 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?

Ensure there are minimum standards with a recourse to council if these are not maintained

How will you ensure all council tenants have security of tenure?
I’m not across what council tenancies are under but it’s my impression that these are continuous unless there are reasons such as committing crimes like doing drugs on the premises. But happy to consider these to ascertain I’d they’re fair.

What steps will you take to end homelessness in Wellington?
I was in Houston where they have a novel way of minimising this and I have presented this in a submission to council so am unable to publicise this until they’ve considered this.

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?

Of course I would meet with these errant landlords and if these don’t meet their obligations, will fine or penalise them to the full capacity of the law.

What do you think Council should do to address power imbalance between landlords and tenants? If nothing, why?
I’m open to suggestions here as how can the council address this imbalance?

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 happily talk with the government about this.

What do you think are the main reasons rents in Wellington are increasing? How would you ensure rents in Wellington are affordable?
All housing prices are increasing, insurance is increasing, rates are increasing, inflation is increasing so landlords are trying to keep up with all these costs. What would I do? Mt whole platform is to stop the council from wasting money and to stop the incessant rate increases so if I’m elected, I will certainly do this and with reduced rates, this will reduce the landlords costs and accordingly, the rents they charge.

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?

Anytime a renter has an issue with their home in my ward, I will personally intervene. In other parts of the city, I will work with the relevant councillors

Anything else you want to share?

I’d like to meet with rental groups and council to discuss remedies.

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: Elections 2022, Wellington. .