File Ref: CCL 24 - LGOIMA 20.21.12
15 September 2020
Westland District Council
36 Weld Street
Private Bag 704
Aaron Packard
Hokitika 7842
Renters United Organiser
Phone 03 756 9010
Fax 03 756 9045
Via Email: [FYI request #13779 email]
Email [Westland District Council request email]
Dear Aaron
Official information request for how is Westland District Council using its rights under the Public
Health Act to inspect rental housing properties.
I refer to your official information request dated 13 September for how the Westland District Council is
using its rights under the Public Health Act to inspect rental housing properties.
You have asked the following:
1. In the past five years, how many times has the Council used their rights under the Public
Health Act to inspect rental housing properties?
Nil. I can advise that no issues regarding the standard of rental accommodation has been brought
to Council’s attention for the last five years.
2. In the past five years, how many times has the Council exercised its powers to issue a repair
or closure notices to landlords whose properties do not meet the Housing Improvement
Regulations?
Nil.
3. How do you identify which rental housing properties to inspect under the public Health
Act?
Council will response to any complaint regarding substandard rental accommodation.
4. What is the process for tenants to request the Council inspect their rental housing property
under the Public Health Act and proved a written report on its condition?
A tenant can contact Council and make a complaint about the standard of their accommodation.
An officer will inspect the property and investigate the complaint. If any issues needing repair are
noted, Council will contact the property owner and get remedial action to fix the issue.
5. What information is available on your website or in your publications on rental housing
inspections provided by the Council?
A copy of the Councils policy on Dangerous and Insanitary Buildings is available on the Council’s
website.
6. What is your process for engaging with the Tenancy Tribunal to provide reports on the
rental housing inspections you conduct?
Westland District Council does not have a specific process in place. A report would be provided to
the Tenancy Tribunal if required.
There is no charge in supplying this information to you.
If you wish to discuss this decision with us, please feel free to contact Mary-anne Bell, Senior
Administration Assistant at [email address], 03 756 9091.
Sincerely,
Simon Bastion | Chief Executive
SB/MB
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