Make Healthy Housing the norm

Changes to the Residential Tenancies Act in Aotearoa New Zealand come into force in February 2021. The RACP provided feedback to the Social Services and Community Select Committee on the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill.

Housing affordability, standards, and security are key contributors to health in Aotearoa New Zealand. Over recent years, compounding pressures have been placed on both the supply, and demand of housing in Aotearoa New Zealand. This has resulted in rapidly rising house prices and rental costs, and waitlists for social housing.

The changes proposed in the Bill are welcomed by the RACP. Together, they create a package of reforms which begin the process of equalising the relationship between tenant and landlord. Despite this, we believe that these reforms are only the first step on a long road to creating an ideal environment for both tenants and landlords in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our submission covers feedback on:

• no ground terminations
• rent increases and bidding
• expanded role of the Tenancy Tribunal
• tenants’ rights
• addressing the housing crisis.

Alongside these changes, any new or renewed tenancy after 1 July 2021 must comply with the Healthy Homes Standards. These Standards intend to ensure that landlords maintain and improve the quality of their rental properties, and that tenants can keep their homes warm and dry. Changes to tenancies, and tenant landlord relationships must be considered in context, both with the standards of homes, and our society. The RACP wants to see a society where everybody has the things they need to succeed, and that means affordable, healthy housing which meets the needs of every whānau.

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