Labour MP Jenny Salesa’s Bill to give more transparency around boarding houses has been drawn from the Member’s ballot.

The Bill will require the creation and maintenance of a register of boarding houses and their owners, and sets up criteria for landlords to be subject to.

The criteria will mean a landlord may be disqualified from operating a boarding house if they’re under 18, have been imprisoned, or have issues with registration.

“Sunlight is the best disinfectant for ensuring boarding houses are clean, safe, and warm homes for Kiwis to live in,” Jenny Salesa said.

“Some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable people rely on boarding houses for basic shelter and sanitation.

“New Zealanders will recall the tragic case of Loafers Lodge which had flown under the radar until lives were lost. I also think of the dozens of boarding homes in Auckland and the many others across the country we still don’t know the living conditions of.

“Establishing a register for boarding houses and criteria which landlords are subject to ensures there’s accountability and better monitoring to make sure these homes are up to scratch.

“This is about ensuring everyday Kiwis aren’t getting fleeced and are living in clean, safe, and warm homes,” Jenny Salesa said.

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