Time for State Rent Control

“Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures” says MANA Leader and MP for Te Tai Tokerau Hone Harawira.

“This Government must introduce rent control measures for Christchurch. Greedy landlords are making big bucks off those who need a roof over their heads They are charging exorbitant prices in a market where demand is sky high because of the mass devastation caused by the February 2012 earthquake. On average rent prices have climbed over 25%. The cost of rental properties is pricing people away from living in Christchurch. Some people are being charged $1000 a week for an ordinary three-bedroom home. If that isn’t price gouging and picking on the vulnerable, then I don’t know what is!”

“This Government should follow the lead set by America. Even in the home of capitalism, authorities in the States know that the free market can’t provide reasonably priced rental housing for those who need it. California and New York enjoy rent control, because they target either key workers or vulnerable citizens. Right now Christchurch needs workers to help with the rebuild and they need to protect those who have struggled to make ends meet and whose circumstances have worsened because of the destruction caused by the quake."

"If this Government cares about Christchurc's future, then they need to help those who need it and not just business owners in the CBD. It is willing to massively intervene in the property market to assist property owners but, for some reason, won't intervene in the rental market to help those who need it the most."

“I agree with the growing chorus of Christchurch citizens who want the state to intervene to stop some morally corrupt landlord vultures from preying on those less fortunate. It is time to stop these predators who are making the most of an already terrible situation. It has been over two years since Christchurch was shattered by a force of nature; now Christchurch is suffering from cash hungry pricks who only care about their bank balance rather than their fellow citizen”.

ENDS

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