Ratings system launched for Dunedin flats

A new rating scheme for Dunedin student flats is hoped to increase the quality of student living conditions, a city councillor says.

Dunedin City Council, Otago University and Otago Polytechnic yesterday launched the student tenancy accommodation rating scheme (Stars), which would give a one-to-five star rating to flats, and flats would be subject to random checks to ensure their quality, the Otago Daily Times reported.

The scheme was voluntary for landlords, but Dunedin deputy mayor Syd Brown said he believed it would become students' first port of call when looking for a flat.

Landlords would be "doing themselves a disservice" by not being a part of it, and the requirement to keep houses to a certain standard would increase the quality of housing stock, he said.

Landlords could list flats on the scheme's website, www.housingstars.co.nz, and a rating would be generated based on their responses to a questionnaire, asking for details on security, insulation, heating and amenities.

- NZPA