Traction on plans to fix rental crisis

Earlier this year it sent seven proposals, which included a long-term tenancy option, the return of mortgage interest costs as a tax-deductible expense  the return of the Brightline test to two years, the right for landlords to issue 90-day notices to unruly tenants and the reform of the Tenancy Tribunal.

NZPIF vice president Peter Lewis says the reaction from political parties to the proposals has been quite surprising. “As expected the Labour Government has not responded, ACT is in favour, National is receptive but made no commitment, however much to my surprise Greens Auckland Central MP Chloe Swarbrick was willing to consider it.”

Lewis also had discussions with MBIE on the proposals but says it “has to toe the Government line”. “A recent 65-page Government paper on rentals was focused on Kainga Ora and not once were private landlords mentioned. It gives a clear picture of the Government’s attitude to private landlords – they are not wanted,” he says.

While the Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt has acknowledged tenants are moving homes less often than the past one to two years, the federation there is still not enough stability for renters.