Candidate Sam Lu answers Renters United’s questions

VOTE HOUSING: LOCAL BODY 2022

Renters United asked every candidate in the Spreydon Ward 17 questions about the issues that most concern renters in their ward. Here are Sam Lu’s 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? No
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? 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?

I agree with the “Healthy Home Commitment” in principle but I don’t think they should be enforced.

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

Proof of stable job/source of income.

What steps will you take to end homelessness in Christchurch?

try to increase job opportunities.

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, only if they have been “persistently bad” by imposing substantial fine.

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

I believe in private ownership. If you borrow a book from council library, the book belongs to the library, not the borrower. There should be be any “balancing” involved in this mutual relationship.

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?

No, I don’t see the need for that. The free market can set rent however they want as long as they meet the health standards.

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

Inflation, rising minimum wage, increase in cost for EVERYTHING, rate increase.

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?

More frequent inspections on properties with lower C.V.

Anything else you want to share?

Promote the idea of “gleaning”. The rich should not leave nothing for the poor/widow/orphan but at the same time the poor should try to roll up their sleeves and work for food and shelter.

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: Christchurch, Elections 2022. .