Landlords support updating of tenancy law

Landlords support updating of tenancy law 

The New Zealand Property Investor’s Federation (the Federation), briefed the social services select committee on the Residential Tenancies Act Amendment Bill yesterday.

Federation President Martin Evans told the committee that the Bill is of vital importance for tenants and landlords as it updates tenancy law first conceived in 1986. He said a number of the changes are welcomed, such as the introduction of a fine for tenants who abandon a rental property owing rent as this doesn’t penalise good tenants but encourages all tenants to act responsibly.

However, the Federation still has concern about 24 areas, which it has covered in its submission to the select committee. These include:

·       Seeking a greater clarity around the responsibility for outgoings such as water and waste water;

·      easing the requirement for landlords to disclose whether the premises have had to be cleansed under a statutory order;

·        providing a course of action when a landlord is faced with abandoned goods.
 

The draft legislation has languished for several years and the Federation looks forward to the Housing Minister, the Hon Phil Heatley, steering the bill through the remaining Parliamentary stages so it can become law as soon as possible said Mr Evans.

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