Rents frozen to end of March

Press, 1 March 1984, Page 2

Rents frozen to end of March

Although the price freeze was lifted at midnight last night, rents will remain frozen to the end of March. The Christchurch office of the Housing Corporation, after a number of calls from landlords and tenants, yesterday reminded the public that the rent freeze had been extended one month.

The deputy manager, Mr Brian Atkins, said that the volume of complaints received about breaches of the regulations had increased recently. Since the freeze was imposed in 1982, 87 complaints had been received — 16 of them in February, he said. Of the total, 21 had resulted in court action, 24 were with the Crown Solicitor, 23 were being investigated by the corporation, and 19 had been dropped because they could not be

proved. Mr Atkins said that landlords convicted of breaches had been made to pay fines of up to $3OO and that one was also required to make restitution of $486 to the tenant. In an attempt to forestall future problems, the corporation yesterday outlined the regulations which will apply in the thaw. • The maximum increase allowed on residential properties where the rent has been raised since April 1, 1981, will be 3 per cent with the consent of both tenant and landlord. If this is not forthcoming, the matter can be referred to the Rent Appeal Board for a ruling. @ If the rent has not been raised since April 1, 1981, it may be increased 10 per cent for each complete year since the last review, or by the inflation rate as measured in the consumers

price index, whichever is the smaller. However, this is permitted only if the tenancy agreement contains a review clause falling due between June 22 last year and February 28 next year. In all cases, once the rent has been increased it cannot be increased again within 12 months. Provisions exist in the regulations for landlords suffering severe hardship because of the freeze to apply to the corporation for an increase.

suffering severe hardship because of the freeze to apply to the corporation for an increase. Rent increases higher than those normally allowed may also be imposed with the tenant’s agreement if the landlord has significantly improved the amenities and services of a flat through work of a structural nature since June 22, 1982. This does not include main': tenance or redecoration. Brochures explaining the regulations are available from the corporation.