27/8/2018

Manawatu Tenants’ Union

Today the Manawatu Tenants’ Union (MTU) applauds the release of a review of renting laws. Over one third of New Zealanders rent and Palmerston North is a renting city, making reform an urgent need.

“This review is a great step forwards. Our current renting laws are out of date, they don’t work, and it’s tenants paying the cost” says MTU Coordinator Ben Schmidt. “Tenants deserve safe and secure homes to live in and to call their own.”

The Manawatu Tenants Union has seen a significant increase in tenants requiring support to contest evictions over the past few years, creating a clear demand for change.

“Banning no-cause evictions says that tenants deserve a secure home to live in. These proposals will make a huge positive difference in renter’s lives”

However MTU believes that there is still a long way to go towards protecting renters and ensuring that housing is safe and affordable.

“There are too many cowboy property managers and landlords that exploit tenants; they need to be regulated, as in any other industry. We also need to start talking about keeping rent affordable, and about setting clear minimum standards for housing in law, like the He Kainga Oranga Rental Warrant of Fitness. The review and proposals are a great start, but we need to go further.”

MTU urges renters and the wider community to make submissions on the review.

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