Here’s what the new government has in store for you and your flatmates

Example of what Medium Density housing looks like – a plan which may be under National’s ‘Going for Housing Growth’ plan. Source: Stantec. 

The National Party’s proposed tenancy changes include a return to no-cause evictions, the introduction of pet bonds, and removal of the provisions which allow fixed-term tenancies to roll over into periodic and reducing notice periods. 

Ilam’s National MP, Hamish Campbell, said the government is focusing on delivering its 100-day plan and “boosting supply of build-to-rent housing”. 

Vanessa Cole from ActionStation, a crowdfunded community campaigning organisation, said many of the government’s policy shifts benefit landlords at the expense of young renters. 

“There are several policy shifts by the new coalition government which will make it easier for landlords and property investors to profit and life harder for young renters,” she said. 

“Everyone should have a safe, stable place to call home regardless of their income.” 

Cole said the government’s policies are propping up property magnates’ profits at the expense of stable, affordable homes. 

“The return to 'no cause' evictions means that renters are placed in even more insecurity at the whim of landlords who can evict them for no reason at all,” Cole said. 

“All of this amounts to property investors and landlords hoarding more wealth and power at the expense of renters. One in four renters pay more than 40 percent of their disposable income on housing costs and this is likely to get worse,” she said. 

Campbell said the government would make announcements on its plans regarding tenancy changes once Cabinet had agreed to them, and that renters would have plenty of time to become familiar with them. 

Campbell told Canta that increasing the supply of housing would help mitigate pressures on prices and availability in the rental market. 

“Boosting our supply of rental housing will provide more certainty and stability for renters and put downward pressure on rents, which have increased by record levels under the previous Labour Government. Locally we have seen average rents have increased on average $150 here in Christchurch, with Ilam seeing some of the sharpest rises.” 

“I know this is a top priority for students as at Clubs Day last week, it was one of the top issues I heard from students on campus.” 

Furthermore, according to the National Party’s ‘Going for Housing Growth’ policy document, it will require councils in major towns and cities to zone 30 years’ worth of housing demand and allow them to opt out of the Medium Density Residential Zone Law. 

The document also says that National would offer incentive payments for Councils, providing more new housing from a $1 billion fund.