Rental property owners not to blame

Rental property owners not to blame.

Kiwi landlords are not to blame for a decrease in Kiwi home-ownership. Fewer New Zealanders now own their own home for a myriad of reasons, including the cancellation of home ownership accounts and cheaper government loans being removed in the late 1980s.

Local landlords are part of the solution, not the problem. It is becoming clear that Housing New Zealand cannot supply enough rental housing and with so many Kiwis wanting to rent – it is private landlords that provide a valuable service.

Rental property owners are running businesses and therefore are careful to pay reasonable prices rather than above market prices for any additional properties.

Without mum and dad landlords filling this gap – many Kiwis would be stuck. Where should they live while saving for a house deposit? What if they don’t want to buy a home, but rather rent and spend their savings on other items? What if they’re studying and only want to live somewhere for three or four years?

We need to change our attitude towards the landlord-tenant relationship. It is one of mutual benefit. It is a business relationship and both parties have equal rights under the law.

ENDS

© Scoop Media