Are you a landlord? Tell us what it’s like

WRITE ON STUFF: It’s fair to say landlords receive some flak at times. But, the houses they own are lived in by thousands of people. 

Thousands of people who are facing challenges like rising rents, a shrinking pool of rentals and a pay packet that just doesn’t get any bigger. In fact, a report from the Reserve Bank, Treasury and the Ministry for Housing and Urban Development found nominal wage inflation – that is, wage rises that are not adjusted for inflation – and the supply of rental properties were the key drivers of rent increases at both national and regional levels.

But, in many cases, costs for landlords are rising too as a result of factors like rises in council rates, insurance premiums and maintenance costs.

Some believe the Government is punishing landlords.

Letting fees have been banned, and healthy homes standards, which set minimum requirements for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture, drainage and draught-stopping in rental properties, have been introduced. The tenancy law has been overhauled, and that included banning no-cause terminations, limiting rent increases to once a year, and allowing tenants to make small changes, such as quake or baby proofing to their rental.

Meanwhile, an association representing landlords has warned a Green Party proposal to cap annual rent rises at no more than 3% would worsen a shortage in rental properties by prompting more landlords to sell-up. But Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson said rent controls were needed because the unaffordability of rents was causing harm and tenants were struggling.

Landlords, now’s your chance to share things from your side. What’s it really like being a landlord at the moment?

Why did you decide to become a landlord, how many properties do you own, and what do you charge for rent?

How long have you been a landlord, and how have things changed since you entered the market?

Have you been forced to raise the amount you charge for rent recently, and why? Do you think it’s fair, and how do you feel about it?

What are the biggest challenges you face as a landlord and why? 

What are the things you do to make life easier for your tenants, and be a good landlord in general?

We’re looking for submissions of between 400 and 800 words to be published in Stuff Nation. To share your experience of what being a landlord is like, hit the contribute button. App users email: stuffnation@stuff.co.nz. Please submit photos of yourself and/or your rental properties for the best chance of being published.  

Disclaimer: Submissions generally slagging off tenants will not be published. Please keep your submissions constructive and respectful.