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National tenancy agreement to help manage tenancies
Housing New Zealand has a new national tenancy agreement that will go some way in helping vulnerable families sustain tenancies.
"Our new tenancy agreement and tenant induction information clearly spells out Housing New Zealand expectations of tenants living in a state house. A key requirement is to respect neighbours' peace, comfort and privacy and be a good neighbour to those living around them," Housing New Zealand Chief Executive Lesley McTurk said.
"Housing New Zealand is concerned about vulnerable families being able to sustain tenancies, which is not helped by having people not usually residing at the property being bailed or paroled to a state house. This is being addressed by a new provision in the tenancy agreement.
"This means that people who usually reside at their state house can be bailed, paroled or serve a sentence of home detention at their property as of right. However, where a person who does not normally live at the property seeks to do so, the tenant will need permission from Housing New Zealand for them to stay at the address under those conditions.
"As a responsible landlord we need to know who lives in our houses in order to manage tenancies, set correct rental levels, prevent overcrowding, and look after the interests of the community and staff.
"This is about knowing who lives in state houses, not judging what they’ve done.
"This approach also allows Housing New Zealand to work with other agencies to support vulnerable families," Dr McTurk said.
Media Contact: Michelle Williams, Senior Communications Advisor, ph 04 439 3787, 021 2279645.
