Researchers are calling for a review of tenant occupancy limit rules, saying the limits are increasing housing costs, forcing families to hide household members or live apart, and leaving people struggling to access housing.
The research, undertaken by The Housing and Health Research Programme which is part of the University of Otago, found that landlords often set restrictive limits on how many people can live in a rental home. It studied all rental listings on Trade Me for one month and found limits are usually one more person than the number of bedrooms - for example six people in a five-bedroom house - leaving larger homes underused. The study suggests reviewing how occupancy limits are set - to better align with public health guidance - and make living costs more affordable.
Under the Residential Tenancies Act landlords can decide how many people can live in a rental property. Matt Ball is spokesperson for the Property Investors Federation.
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