Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
New Bill to heat and insulate rental properties
Phil Twyford
Housing Spokesperson
24th October 2013
New Bill will make sure New Zealand rental properties will be properly heated and insulated
A members bill will be introduced into Parliament to make every rental property in New Zealand meets minimum standards for heating and insulation.
The author of the bill MP Phil Twyford says “This is an idea whose time has come. Too many of our children suffer respiratory diseases because of damp cold homes.”
“I believe that Improving the quality of the housing stock is probably the single most important public health reform we could make.”
“The Bill will amend the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 to require all landlords to meet the new standards.
“Most poor people live in private rental accommodation and while there has been a generous government subsidy scheme in place for several years there is no financial incentive for landlords to take up the subsidy and few have .It is time now to set minimum standards.
“Labour’s comprehensive Healthy Homes Guarantee Bill will ensure every rental property in New Zealand is warm and dry.
“I am hopeful of getting cross party support for this bill as every party in the house has talked up wanting to improve home insulation as a way of improving public health outcomes.”
ENDS
Alastair Thompson: Google's Support For Democracy And Media In NZ | Part 2 - Google & Scoop; A Brief History
RNZ: Senior Lawyers Call For Treaty Principles Bill To Be Abandoned
Lobby for Good: Small Business Owners, MPs Rally Together To Demand Transparency In Tauranga Marine Precinct Sale
VisAble: National Apology Marks Important Step For Disabled Community, But True Change Requires Lasting Action
NZ Government: Prime Minister Apologises For Abuse In Care
NZ Government: Govt Strengthens Protection For People In State Care
Green Party: Govt Move To Exclude Journalist Risks Chilling Effect
