Renting: Getting it rightg

Public meeting Tues 9th Oct @ Titirangi War Memorial Hall

On 9th October I will host a public meeting with Housing Minister, Phil Twyford, on the proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act (1986).

When the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) was first enacted, less than a quarter of households were renting. By 2017, the number had increased to 33%. This rise in the amount of people renting has occurred alongside an overall decline in home ownership. This means that many more families in the New Lynn electorate are at risk of having insecure and unstable housing situations.

Having a safe, warm, dry home is a fundamental human right. When people are comfortably housed, they are happier, healthier, and more able to take advantages of study and employment opportunities. This is why housing security and stability of tenure for renters is one of the priorities of this government.

We are also interested in the rights of landlords, and are committed to ensuring that the law balances the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords, to promote good faith tenancy relationships and help renters feel more at home.  Addressing the current housing shortage does require investment from private landlords, however, owners of existing properties that don’t meet the new standards will be required to bring these into line.  Some of these repairs may be tax deductible.

I believe that as a society, we can judge our success on the way we treat the least well off. One of the reasons I became an MP is to assist the people of my electorate to live in a country that improves the well-being of all New Zealanders and their families.

Make a submission on the Residential Tenancies Act at www.mbie.govt.nz/info-services/housing-property/residential-tenancies/rta-reform/consultation

Public Meeting – Renting: Getting it Right. 7pm, Tuesday 9th October at Titirangi War Memorial Hall.
 
Deborah Russell, MP for New Lynn