Le’aufa’amulia Asenati

Lole-Taylor

Associate Spokesperson for Housing
March 5, 2013

Tenants Stuck in Quicksand by Excessive Rents

New Zealand First challenges the Government to take immediate measures to stop the exploitation of people forced to pay excessive rents.

Associate Spokesperson for Housing Lea’ufa’amulia Asenati Lole-Taylor says all New Zealanders should have affordable housing.

“On a recent trip to Christchurch I met a family paying $395 to share one bedroom in a property which was housing four other families, and all were required to share a kitchen and bathroom facilities.

“Landlords are stretching their rights by overcrowding their properties and overcharging rent. While most landlords are fair there are some who exploit tenants.

“There is more and more evidence illustrating the fact that market rents do not match the type of property nor its condition.

“Many families are paying excessive rents but do not have the money required to move elsewhere.

“Moving is not always an option as often there is no cheaper accommodation on the rental market.

“How can families get ahead when some are being forced to use more than half their income on rent before they’ve even thought about other bills and expenses? They feel like they are in quicksand.

“New Zealand First wants a review of the Residential Tenancy Act to ensure that it is equitable to both the landlord and the tenant.

“High private rents are forcing people to knock on the door of Housing New Zealand, which is already under strain,” says Mrs Lole-Taylor.

ENDS

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