27 June 2013

Survey shows urgent need for Green housing solutions in Christchurch

The Tenants Protection Association’s (TPA) survey released today shows the urgent need to improve the quality and affordability of housing, especially in Christchurch, the Green Party said today.

“The survey shows that rents have increased dramatically post-quake, and too many tenants are paying more than half of their income just to put a roof over their heads,” said Green Party housing spokesperson Holly Walker.

“The results also suggest that the quality of rental houses is low, with many damp, cold, mouldy, and not to mention quake-damaged, houses.

“Almost half of the tenants surveyed had mouldy homes, and far too many are paying an unmanageable amount of their income on rent.

“There is an urgent need to build more affordable houses, introduce a Warrant of Fitness for all rental properties, and improve the security of tenure for rental tenants across New Zealand, but this survey shows that there is a particularly acute need in Christchurch.

“The TPA made recommendations for a Warrant of Fitness for all rentals and to improve the security of tenure – both of these are a key part of our Green Party Home for Life proposals released earlier this year.

“All New Zealanders deserve decent housing and we need to take urgent action to make sure that everyone has a warm, dry and affordable place to call home,” said Ms Walker.

Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei and housing spokesperson Holly Walker will be in Christchurch on Monday 8 July to present their home for life solutions.

Tenants Protection Association survey:
http://tpa.org.nz/blog/tpa-rental-survey-report

Details of the Green Party Home for Life Christchurch meeting:
http://www.greens.org.nz/events/home-life-public-meeting-better-housing-christchurch-metiria-turei-mp-and-holly-walker

ENDS

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