Housing Minister Phil Twyford has tabled a bill that would ban landlords from charging letting fees to tenants.
He was previously considering doing this as part of a wider overhaul of the renting system but has decided to do it as a stand-alone bill instead.
"Around half of all Kiwis now live in rented homes. This Bill could put up to $47 million into the pockets of Kiwi families each year," Twyford said.
"When moving into a new rental property, tenants can face up to four weeks' bond, two weeks' rent in advance – and one weeks' rent as a letting fee – in addition to moving costs.
"Banning the charging of letting fees to tenants is a good first step in improving the life of renters, while we continue our broader review of the Residential Tenancies Act."
More soon
- Stuff
