$30,000 upfront to get a rental
did get to view a house 50 other people could be there.
“If you have a toddler or a pet you are the last one they are going to choose. I’m afraid we are not going to get anything.
“I think the hardest thing is we are going to have to take whatever we can get, which is unsettling for the children as they have moved from overseas.”
Eleftheriou was shocked that most rentals cost upwards of $600.
“Even with good jobs it feels like we live week to week and now the rentals are so much more than when arrived.
“It’s scary.” Overcrowding is a growing issue as rental desperation grows, a property manager says.
Rotorua Rentals director Pauline Evans said in some instances it had approached the owner to see if the number of tenants on the tenancy agreement could be amended.
“Most situations can be sorted this way, some being a permanent fix, others have been given a short time limit, maybe a month or two, with the understanding that they must move out once the time has elapsed.”
Some prospective tenants had offered to pay more to have pets but negotiations along those lines were declined.
Evans said changes to the Residential Tenancies Act and other regulations had contributed to a “roller-coaster of a ride” for many in the industry.
“The flow-on effect of all of these changes is tenants have little to no choices when looking for rental accommodation. Some owners have already sold and moved on, with others still weighing up their options.”
Associate Minister for Housing Poto Williams said changes had been made to improve the security and rights of renters, including limiting rent increases to once a year and banning rental bidding.
“We are monitoring what happens with rent rises and will take action if necessary.”
Tenants could go to the Tenancy Tribunal to request a rent reduction and it was unlawful for a landlord to ask for more than two weeks’ rent in advance.
Tenancy Compliance and Investigations national manager Steve Watson said the Residential Tenancies Act dis not stop tenants from offering to pay more than two weeks’ rent in advance, as long as this wasn’t prompted by the landlord.