Tenancy investigators will visit a selection of student rentals in Dunedin this week to check they are up to standard.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) Tenancy Compliance and Investigations Team (TCIT) would identify any breaches of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 and prompt action by landlords found not to be in compliance.
Acting TCIT national manager Clare Lyons-Montgomery said landlords must provide warm, safe, and dry homes.
“Young people are a priority population for our team, as they can be vulnerable and unaware of their rights because they are new to renting.”
Landlords have obligations and responsibilities under the Act and must provide a rental home that complies with all building, health, and safety requirements in addition to tenancy law, she added.
Lyons-Montgomery said the visit was an opportunity to change the perception that “living in a run-down student flat is a ‘rite of passage’ and just part of university life”.
“We want to make it clear to landlords what their responsibilities are and what the consequences of non-compliance are.”
MBIE engaged regularly with student associations, she said, with this visit another opportunity to encourage students to speak with landlords about issues in their rentals.
Otago University Students Association (OUSA) president Liam White said many students were forced to live in “cold, old and mouldy flats” and landlords must be held to account.
“Warm, healthy homes aren’t optional—they’re the legal minimum. We back every move to ensure these standards are enforced, and through OUSA Student Support, we continue to empower students with advice, advocacy, and education across the academic year.”
All rental properties must comply with the healthy homes standards by July 1, 2025. All new tenancies from July 1 must comply with the standards immediately.
