Labour will ban no-cause evictions, make rental homes warmer and safer, and give Kiwi families greater security in their homes.
“Everyone deserves a place to call home. If you pay your rent and look after your home, you should have the security of knowing you can stay there,” Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said.
“National brought back no-cause evictions, leaving families at risk of being forced to move even when they’ve done nothing wrong. That means extra costs, the stress of finding somewhere new and potentially changing their children’s school.”
“Renters deserve a fair deal. Labour will give people greater security in their homes, improve rental standards and make sure problems are dealt with properly,” Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said.
Labour will make renting fairer by:
Banning no-cause evictions, requiring landlords to give a valid reason for ending a tenancy.
Giving tenants more notice 63 days when a landlord or their family wants to move in, and 90 days for sale, renovation or a change of use.
Making rental homes safer and healthier, by introducing a landlord duty of care to address serious hazards and requiring proper curtains or blinds under the Healthy Homes Standards.
Reducing unnecessary inspections, by stopping insurers requiring routine rental inspections more often than every six months.
Setting clear rules for property managers so tenants and landlords are treated fairly.
Strengthening oversight of boarding houses to better protect the people living in them.
“Renting shouldn’t mean putting your life on hold. Families should be able to settle into their communities, keep their kids in the same school and feel confident about their future," Kieran McAnulty said.
“National has made it harder for families to get ahead. Labour will deliver practical changes to help more Kiwis find a secure, affordable place to call home.
“Our wider housing plan will expand First Home Loans so more Kiwis can buy with a five percent deposit, introduce a rent-to-buy pathway to help eligible families build towards home ownership, and restart Kāinga Ora’s building programme.
“Whether you rent or own, you deserve a good home, security for your family and the chance to build a future here in New Zealand,” Kieran McAnulty said.
