Labour's rental rules would leave more Kiwis locked out

“Labour wants to make it harder to end a tenancy, but they're ignoring how that makes it harder to get one in the first place,” says ACT Leader David Seymour.

"No landlord wants to get rid of a good tenant. A reliable tenant who pays the rent and looks after the property is exactly what landlords want. Finding a new tenant costs time and money.

“But when landlords face greater risks and costs if a tenancy goes wrong, they're less willing to take a chance on someone without perfect references, a steady job, or a spotless rental history. It's the young person renting for the first time, the family trying to get back on their feet, or someone with a difficult rental history who risks missing out.

“ACT restored the ability to end a periodic tenancy with 90 days' notice, giving landlords more confidence to take a chance on a tenant.

“Labour claims to want affordable rents, but median weekly rents rose by $180 during its last term in Government when these policies were in place. Labour piled costs and regulations onto landlords, and renters paid the price. Now they want to do it all over again.

“ACT is taking the opposite approach. We'll abolish Labour's loss ring-fencing rules, making it easier to invest in rental housing and maintain existing properties. Alongside our reforms to make building easier and cheaper, that means more homes and more choice for renters.

“Labour's answer to the housing crisis is always more rules. ACT's answer is more homes, lower costs, and a rental market that works for landlords and tenants alike. Renters deserve a fair deal and that starts with having somewhere to rent.”