CHAI says housing standards must be improved

Friday, 4 April 2008, 2:24 pm
Press Release: Community Housing Aotearoa

Media Statement For immediate release: 4 April 2008

CHAI says housing standards must be improved

Community Housing Aotearoa Incorporated (CHAI) welcomes the recent media focus on poor rental conditions in South Auckland. Responding to recent television and magazine coverage, it is keen to see the living conditions in private rental accommodation improved, to protect the most vulnerable of our society. Although highlighted in Auckland, it is a nationwide problem.

Private landlords are taking advantage of people who have no other housing options. Community Housing Aotearoa as the representative of more than 150 community housing groups is keen to see minimal standards in place for all rental properties. It urges the Department of Building and Housing to develop the Landlord Warrant of Fitness, which would establish a basic living standard for all renters.

CHAI challenges all local councils, who have the responsibility for boarding houses to take action on sub-standard housing in their area.

"The country is concentrating on affordability and although it is of concern, living conditions that impact on health, education and employment must be addressed," says CHAI director Thérèse Quinlivan.

Community Housing Aotearoa is keen to see Department of Building and Housing work with all housing providers to raise the standard of living for all, especially lower socio-economic groups.

ends

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Community Housing Aotearoa

Nga Wharerau o Aotearoa

Community Housing Aotearoa is the peak body for New Zealand's community housing sector. Our 110 members build and manage affordable and social housing.

Our Vision is to make sure every New Zealander is well-housed in a warm, safe, dry and affordable home. This is a basic human right.

We work to support the growth and development of community housing providers to enable them to provide affordable and social housing.

We want to demonstrate that community housing is a critical element alongside private and government owned housing. No one can do it alone.

Community Housing Aotearoa aims to:

1. be the voice of the community housing sector
2. build capacity and foster collaboration
3. promote best practice in housing policy
4. champion quality and excellence.

Contact Community Housing Aotearoa

• Website - communityhousing.org.nz/
• Our Place - Learn how we think this can be achieved
• Phone - +64 4 385 8722
• About us - Our 2021 annual report is online here
• Email - support@communityhousing.org.nz
• Link - Members directory
• Physical Address - Level 11, Ranchhod Tower, 39 The Terrace/102-112 Lambton Quay, Wellington