The New Zealand Public Service Association (PSA) supports the Plan to Fix Renting launched by Renters United in Wellington last night.

"Safe, affordable and secure housing is a priority for PSA members, and we think the Plan to Fix Renting presents a smart and comprehensive package of solutions to achieve that", said PSA National Secretary Glenn Barclay.

"Last year we surveyed our members in Auckland, Waikato, Wellington and Christchurch and heard some devastating stories about the condition and cost of some of our members’ rental housing. In many cases, the cost of housing was significantly above affordability levels, and was causing significant distress to members across our union."

"Another very concerning finding from our survey was the number of tenants who were too scared to complain about the condition of their rental property for fear of losing the lease."

The PSA has advocated for changes to rental laws to give tenants greater protection, and for significant government investment in housing to help take the heat out of the rental market.

"We agree with Renters United that we need to make renting fairer and we urge the Government to make this a priority for this term. Rental conditions and costs are causing a lot of stress and distress in our communities, and they need to be addressed as a matter of urgency."

"Increasing numbers of New Zealanders are renting, we need a modern approach to housing that reflects this and that doesn’t leave large sections of our communities in poor quality, expensive and insecure housing."

Read more about Renters United's Plan to Fix Renting here: https://www.rentersunited.org.nz/plan See also PSA's Ten Perspectives on Housing at https://www.psa.org.nz/media/resources/housingbooklet/

ENDS

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