During the month Parliament debated and passed the information-matching bill.
To recap, the Bill sought to authorise Housing New Zealand Corporation to disclose information about tenants and tenancies to MSD.
The Federation’s interest with the Bill, was in respect of a minority who are ripping off the system, whether in the Housing New Zealand portfolio, the State housing portfolio, but more specifically in the area of enabling the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to supply the Department of Courts and its officials, specific address for service data, so that improved tracking and better enforcement of court-ordered money orders maybe enforced.
In written submissions the Federation referred to the 2003 agreement that under a tenancy tribunal judgment, creditors could be given assistance to trace tribunal debtors by the provision of access to some Government-held address information. It was also pointed out that private landowners are owed between $5 million and $6 million in rent arrears, and at least $43 million for damage. Parliament was reminded that landlords are continually frustrated at their inability to track down tenants who have disappeared but are still within the State system. Many of those tenants are known to the State and still actually receive benefits from the State, whilst owing millions of dollars for both damage and outstanding rents to people who have provided them with accommodation.
Despite these facts the Minister and Committee did not accede or find favour for extending the Bill as proposed by the Federation claiming its proposals were “outside the scope of the Bill”. The bill completed its third reading stage on 29 June, largely as drafted and is expected be enacted next month.
Submissions open The Social Services Select Committee is currently receiving written submissions on the Residential Tenancies (Damage Insurance) Amendment Bill.
To recap, the Bill aims to protect tenants against personal liability for damage they were not responsible for. The implication for Federation members is that landlords will have to insure tenants.
Federation submissions strongly opposed the Bill.
Written submissions close 14 July.
Submissions closed During the month (2 June) written submissions closed on the discussion document entitled: “Unit Titles Act: Options for Change”.
The review impacts those who own, occupy, manage or are professionally associated with an apartment, townhouse, shop or office in a building that has a body corporate.
The Department of Building and Housing over the next few months will analyse the public submissions and then prepare a report for the Hon Clayton Cosgrove with recommendations and draft legislation will be prepared.
Fit-out rules and rates It is expected that IRD’s formal rules on the separate depreciation deduction for residential fit-out items eg partitions, electrical wiring, plumbing and vinyl flooring will be published in the coming months.
By Thomas Chin
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