18 September 2020
Mr Aaron Packard
Via Email: [FYI request #13784 email]
Dear Mr Packard
Local Government Official Information and Meeting Act 1987 request
I refer to your Local Government Official Information and Meeting Act 1987 (LGOIMA) request
received by way of email on 14 September 2020 requesting information on Council’s inspections
relating to rental housing.
We respond to your request below:
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?
There has been only 2 incidences over the past 5 years involving a tenant complaining about
the condition of a rental house. These were actioned, including involvement from Ministry
of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Tenancy Compliance and Investigations
team.
2. In the past five years, how many times has the Council exercised its powers to issue a repair
or closure notice to landlords whose properties do not meet the Housing Improvement
Regulations?
None.
3. How do you identify which rental housing properties to inspect under the Public Health Act?
The Council Environmental Health Officers have traditionally over the past 5 years acted on
complaints and referrals. Refer to point 1) above.
4. What is the process for tenants to request the Council inspect their rental housing property
under the Public Health Act and provide a written report on its condition?
Should a Council Environmental Health Officer receive a request from a tenant then an
inspection would be undertaken.
5. What information is available on your website or in your publications on rental housing
inspections provided by the Council?
There is no information currently available on the Council website that particularly relates to
rental housing.
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2 Norman Kirk Drive, Rol eston | PO Box 90, Rol eston 7643 | P: 03 347 2800 | F: 03 347 2799
E: [email address] | W: www.selwyn.govt.nz | Facebook.com/selwyndistrictcouncil
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6. What is your process for engaging with the Tenancy Tribunal to provide reports on the rental
housing inspections you conduct?
The Council Environmental Health Officer would make contact with the MBIE Tenancy
Tribunal Compliance and Investigations Team. Please note: This Council’s Regulatory
Manager, Team Leader Compliance and two of Councils Environmental Health Officers met
with the MBIE Compliance and Investigation Team 2 years ago to discuss roles and
responsibilities, in dealing with any houses that were reported to be causing public health
issues to tenants.
If you wish to discuss this decision with us, please feel free to contact Council’s Regulatory
Manager, Mr Bil y Charlton on (03) 3472 800.
Yours Sincerely
David Ward
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
