Tenants need a WOF, too

As a small property investor, I have noted the call for rental properties to be issued with a warrant of fitness covering insulation, maintenance and providing a good environment for tenants.

I could not agree more. But, as with motor vehicles, which also require a warrant of fitness, the driver should be required to be licensed.

How about we consider licensing tenants who will be “driving” a rental property? The test could involve the tenants proving they can read and understand the wording and responsibilities attached to a tenancy agreement, can set up an automatic payment for paying the rent, can count to 21 (being the required number of days’ notice they must give to terminate a tenancy), and can operate a vacuum cleaner and broom, wash dishes and keep kitchens, bathrooms and toilets clean.

Also, that they can operate a lawnmower where required (including berms), and keep gardens and grounds maintained to a reasonable standard. And that they can prove they are able to efficiently dispose of immobile cars, and differentiate between recyclable and nonrecyclable rubbish.

Holding such a licence would enhance their prospects of enjoying aptly warranted rental properties, and may even result in a reduction in rents.

Dick Ayres, Auckland Central. and half above. This becomes a selfperpetuating measurement. If a fairy godmother came along and gave every household an extra $1000 a week, the median would rise by the same $1000 and exactly the same number of children would be classified as living in poverty, despite the fact that their households are $1000 a week better off.

Ms Turei’s cause would have far more credibility if she did not use a measurement of poverty that is so seriously flawed.

Pat Taylor, Papatoetoe. status of Chamberlain Park and its use by people from throughout greater Auckland.

Then there is the high level of use of Chamberlain Park compared with other sports venues, and the likely impact on that of the less than adequate golf-course options. Chamberlain Park should be left alone.

A.D. Henbrey, Henderson.