THE TENANTS’ LEAGUE.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2123, 15 May 1922, Page 4

THE TENANTS’ LEAGUE.

A Tenants’ League Avas recently formed in Palmerston North, with the avoAved object of securing a reduction in rents. The League is, no doubt, prompted by the most admirable motives. But lioav can it attain its objective? The position of the landlord is by no means an enviable one. He is surrounded by ail sorts of restrictions. He is only alloAved to recover by legal process 8 per cent, on the capital value of his building. When the present price of money is taken into account it Avill be found that he is being alloAved only 1 per cent, ror depreciation, Avhich is altogether too little. Moreover, he cannot gain possession of his house, unless by default. in the payment of rent, and ho has to effect all improvements that are necessary to comply Avith sanitary and other regulations. Tire Tenants' League Avould be rendering useful service if it Avould urge the Government to remove the present restrictive legislation, and assist in bringing doAvn the cost of building and the rates of interest on money.