The OUSA Student Exec recently submitted on the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill in opposition to its proposed introduction of no-cause evictions. It’s exactly what it sounds like: the bill would allow landlords to evict tenants without needing to give a reason. Critic Te Ārohi spoke to Political Rep Liam White and Labour Leader Chris Hipkins about the bill.
The government proposes to change the Residential Tenancies Act in two key ways: firstly by installing 45-day cause evictions under set circumstances, and secondly by re-initiating 90-day no cause evictions. 90-day no-cause evictions were phased out by the Labour government in 2020 yet are set to be re-introduced as early as next year.
Liam did not hold back in his outrage at the bill. “I genuinely think it’s crazy. It’s just such a clearly pro-landlord project […] I just think it’s batshit, truly [...] It’s just giving landlords such a blank check.” He pointed out that potential implications of the bill could mean evictions based on any form of discrimination. “With no-cause evictions, it is within their power to say, ‘Because this person is not white I am going to evict them’ [...] they would never at any point in the process have to provide justification.”
In terms of what it might mean for students, Liam said, “For students who don’t know their rights as tenants, this is a real threat for them.” As an example, he said that the simple request of fixing a malfunctioning extractor fan could land them an eviction notice for the inconvenience. Continuing, he argued, “Chris Bishop keeps saying that good tenants have nothing to fear when actually every tenant now has something to fear.”
Liam also argued that flats who partied regularly may have higher chances of being evicted, although he consented that landlords usually expect it. Nonetheless, he said the changes could have detrimental effects. “It puts such a pressure on students. 90 days notice is quite a short period of time to find a new flat and to move [...] the concern is hidden homelessness, where you end up couch surfing,” said Liam.
Conveniently, leader of the opposition Chris Hipkins was in town recently, allowing Critic a few minutes of his time to speak on the bill (and expert opinion on the ideal fish and chips). Asked for his take on the proposed bill, Chippy responded: “I’m opposed to that [...] For a lot of people who are long-term renters it's their home that we are talking about. And the idea that for no good reason whatsoever you can just be told to get out of your home for no cause, I don't think that's right. I think the dice are very heavily stacked in favour of landlords now.” He pointed out that this is especially an issue considering NZ is increasingly becoming a country of renters.
“I think when you're a landlord, it's more than just about making money. You actually have a social responsibility as a landlord to provide a decent standard of accommodation and to recognize that what you are supplying is someone's home,” said Chippy.
The Select Committee has accepted OUSA’s submission and will continue to implement changes to the Residential Tenancy Act through this year and next.