On progress to date it was noted that the Minister had made a series of announcements concerning proposed amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act.
The latest announcements (1 December) proposed that a tenant’s liability to any damage caused carelessly to a property would be limited to four week’s rent.
The proposal could lead to increased costs for landlords, ultimately leading to higher rental prices and the proposal allows tenants to behave carelessly, cause damage to the property and not be responsible for the cost. This proposal flows from the rejected private members’ bill in the name of Maryan Street and will be a priority for the Federation to address and defeat in the New Year.
It is understood that drafting instructions for the legislation will be made around February 2007 with a view to having it available for public consultation in mid-2007.
On the updating of the Unit Titles Act (more of a technical revision than implementation of government social perspectives) amending legislation is also due in 2007.
National Party Leader John Key announced (1 December) a reshuffled portfolio line-up that will form the foundation of National's team heading into the next election.
Spokespersons of direct interest to the Federation include:
Parliament is currently in recess and will resume on 13 February.
During the month (6 December) Statistics New Zealand announced results from the 2006 Census.
Data of interest to the Federation shows:
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