Regulating property managers a positive step for public health

The Canterbury/West Coast branch of the Public Health Association of New Zealand supports regulation of the property management industry.

This evening’s launch of Anglican Advocacy’s report, A Decade Overdue: The need for regulation of property management in New Zealand, highlighted the health risks posed by an unregulated property management industry.

Sara Epperson, Chair of the Canterbury/West Coast branch of the Public Health Association expressed support for regulation, pointing to the consequences for real people.

‘Imagine the excitement of moving into a new home, and having that dashed when you arrive to find out the property management company hasn’t fulfilled their responsibilities—that there is no electricity in the kitchen, and sewage from the toilet is spilling out by the back door.

‘Stories like this show how an unregulated industry is failing to protect the health and wellbeing of people who rent, and putting up barriers to people trying to make a home.’

Tenancy laws are currently under review. The Canterbury/West Coast branch of the Public Health Association says this is an opportunity to make improvements that are long overdue.

‘Along with reform of the Residential Tenancies Act, adopting the recommendations in the report is critical to protecting the health and security of people who rent.’

The report is available online at www.anglicanadvocacy.org.nz/projects/property-management

ENDS

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