Warrant of fitness will 'cost tenant'

Director of Agile Property Services in Masterton Eric Voice said some Wairarapa rental properties were "real dives".

Wairarapa landlords will be "punished" with extra costs if warrants of fitness are made compulsory for all rental properties, a local property manager says.

State houses will have to be leak-free, well-ventilated and contain an electric light in each room to get a warrant of fitness under a trial which will determine whether the scheme is extended to all rental properties.

But critics argue housing upgrades in the private sector would end up costing the people they were designed to help.

Housing Minister Nick Smith launched the trial, which will evaluate 500 state houses.

Wairarapa has only one state house, which won't be part of the trial.

Director of Agile Property Services in Masterton Eric Voice said some Wairarapa rental properties were "real dives".

The worst Wairarapa rentals had leaks in the ceilings, and holes in the floors and walls.

But WOFs would end up being a blanket policy.

"It's one of those things where everyone's going to be punished for the sake of a few who are bad landlords.

"It's just another cost."

According to Trade Me property figures published last month, the average asking rent in Wairarapa in thethree months to December was $256 a week.

Dr Smith said the trial would find whether housing WoFs were practical and cost-effective.

Each home would have to pass a 49-point checklist every three years.

They would have to be insulated and dry, safe and secure, and contain essential amenities such as bathroom and kitchen facilities.

In six months, Housing NZ would report how many homes were up to standard and the cost of upgrading deficient properties. APNZ/APN