The Māori Party’s responses to Renters United’s questions

Renters United asked all major political parties their position on the recommendations from the Peoples’ Review of Renting. Here are the responses from the Māori Party. Compare all responses.

Will your party introduce a mandatory rental warrant of fitness?

YES.

Does your party have any additional policies that will contribute to our goal of “all rental housing is warm, healthy, and safe”?

In addition to the annual WOF on rental homes we’ll also introduce housing inspectors to ensure landlords comply. We also want to improve tenants’ rights by undertaking a review of the Residential Tenancies Act to restore balance to the landlord-tenant relationship and ensure there is better housing security for whānau.

Will your party limit rent rises?

We want to freeze rent increases for all state-owned social housing and review them every five years. We also want to look into rent caps for market rentals.

Will your party abolish letting fees?

No, but we would support a review.

Will your party take a hands-on approach to the housing market to ensure adequate supply (and affordability) of all housing types?

Yes.

Does your party have any additional policies that will contribute to our goal that “everyone has affordable housing”?

We believe that everyone, no matter where they are in the country, no matter what their ethnicity, should live in a safe, warm, healthy affordable home. In many areas of New Zealand, tenants are finding more and more of their income is being spent on rent and as those rents rise, so too does the pressure on them to keep a roof over their heads. We want to review the rental market to ensure whānau have access to suitable, habitable homes and tenure security at a fair price.

In addition, we want a housing sector committee set up to co-design a 25-year government enabled housing strategy to ensure housing needs are adequately met.

Will your party abolish no-fault evictions?

Yes.

Does your party have any additional policies that will contribute to our goal that “people who rent are secure? They can create homes and report problems without fear of eviction”?

Our review of the rental market will ensure whānau have access to suitable, habitable homes and tenure security at a fair price while our review of the Residential Tenancies Act will give tenants more rights which includes making sure they are not out of pocket when a landlord decides to sell a property. We also want to introduce Whānau Ora housing navigators to support tenants and landlords with understanding their rights and assist homeless into accommodation.

Will your party reform the Tenancy Tribunal to lower the barriers to access?

Our review of the Residential Tenancies Act will include looking on how to make it easier to access the Tenancy Tribunal.

Will your party fund tenants’ education and advocacy services?

Yes. One of the objectives of proposed Whānau Ora housing navigators is to educate tenants, and landlords, about their rights.

Will your party require all landlords and property managers to be licensed?

No.

Does your party have any other policies that will contribute to our goal that “people can successfully challenge illegal behaviour by landlords and property managers”?

Our review of the Residential Tenancies Act will seek to redress the balance in favour of tenants and make it easier for them to take action against landlords and property managers.

Will your party establish a Commissioner for Housing?

No, but we would like to create a Minister for Māori and Pacific Housing so work to address the huge challenges whanau / fanau / ainga face, from homelessness to home ownership, can be prioritised.

Please refer to the website for the full housing policy 2017. http://www.maoriparty.org/housing_policy_2017

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rentersunited

In: Election 2017. .