20 Sep 2019

Landlords adding to Central Otago housing crisis - report

From Checkpoint, 5:22 pm on 20 September 2019

A new housing report paints a picture of 'greedy' landlords exploiting tenants with inflated prices, adding to a housing affordability crisis in Central Otago.

The Southern District Health Board report is based on 25 interviews with 18 different agencies including the Ministry of Social Development, Oranga Tamariki and local schools.

It found booming migration is putting the squeeze on housing in the area - increasing inequality and decreasing the availability of quality housing.

And according to those interviewed, that lack of availability is creating a power imbalance - that some landlords are taking full advantage of.

Lisa Owen asks Southern DHB's medical director Dr Hywel Lloyd to describe the conditions some people in Central Otago are living in.