NZ First’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 New Zealand First. Compare all responses.

Will your party introduce a mandatory rental warrant of fitness?

Yes we will have supported all legislation introduced to improve rental housing standards, including Andrew Little’s recent private members bill to require a high standard of insulation heating and ventilation. We would support something like a warrant of fitness which is enforceable by the tenant rather than by local authorities.

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

Please see our Housing Policy.

Will your party limit rent rises?

Yes we believe in the limitation of landlords’ current rights to increase rents, and would legislate for a statutory set of constraints to prevent increases except where justified by genuine changes such as significant improvements to the property, local and central government impositions not within the landlord’s control, but increases based on increased property values beyond the CPI would be prevented. These constraints would be aimed especially at long term rentals in line with our policy to encourage these, so that people unable to afford a home of their own would have a secure and affordable long term rental option.

Will your party abolish letting fees?

Yes.

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

Yes – see our Housing Policy.

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

Yes – see our Housing Policy.

Will your party abolish no-fault evictions?

Yes with some exceptions such as genuine cases of property redevelopment.

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”?

Yes – see our Housing Policy.

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

Yes – access to justice at all levels is fundamental to all NZ First policy.

Will your party fund tenants’ education and advocacy services?

Good idea – within a reasonable amount.

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

We are willing to consider this and can see some benefit from doing so.

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”?

We expect the Tenancy Tribunal to have the powers to handle this and if not we would change the law for that purpose.

Will your party establish a Commissioner for Housing?

Yes as set out in our attached Housing Policy this is an important policy and a high priority for us.

Does your party have any additional policies that will contribute to our goal that “the ongoing situation for people renting improves, The Tenancy Tribunal effectively upholds renters’ rights, regulations are enforced and periodically reviewed?

We certainly wish to explore further how to improve the rental housing market in New Zealand and will work with anyone who can contribute positively with this goad, otherwise – see our Housing Policy.

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rentersunited

In: Election 2017. .