Dunedin rental market deteriorating - report

Community Housing Aotearoa is commending Presbyterian Support Otago for shining the spotlight on the deteriorating quality of the private rental market in Dunedin.

The new report - Out in the Cold - surveyed low income private rental housing dwellers. One of the findings was that just 23% of houses in the private rental market meet Presbyterian Support Otago’s Reasonable Rental Standard, dropping from 36% from 2004.

CHA Director Scott Figenshow says the findings clearly show the situation is getting worse, not better.

"It’s a basic right that renters have warm and safe homes. This survey is important as it shows that this right is not being met and highlights the very serious issues in the rental market in Dunedin."

Scott Figenshow says the work also pinpoints that the community housing sector can help deliver solutions.

"The report provides more evidence that the community housing sector is well placed to step up and deliver solutions. One of the report’s recommendations is for a Dunedin-led solution where local providers and the Dunedin City Council work together to undertake redevelopment where housing is sub-standard."

He says regions like Dunedin are facing different issues to centres such as Auckland and Christchurch. It is important the Government’s newly formed Establishment Unit recognises this.

"It is vital that this new entity recognises that one approach will not work for the whole country - each region has different issues and CHA’s recommendations to the Unit will highlight attention to these."

He says the Presbyterian Support Otago research will be a good reference point for policy makers in regard to addressing the issues facing Dunedin.