OBLIGATIONS OF. LANDLORDS

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 57, 30 November 1937, Page 4

OBLIGATIONS OF. LANDLORDS

"One of the Most Absurd Pieces of Legislation" TENANCY OF HOUSES [ "This is -.e of the most ^bsurd pieces of legislation affecting properties that I've ever heard of," said Mr. F. C. Wilkinson, of Hastings, president of the Hawke's Bay branch of the Real Estat'e Institute of New Zealand, this morning when commenting upon the clauses in the Finance Bill, introduced in the House of Representatives, relating to the obligations of laridlords in respect of tenancies. Mr. Wilkinson mentioned tliat in keeping with the stej>s taken by other branch.es of the institute the office of the branch at Napier had sent the following telegram to the Hon. W. E. Barnard: — "This branch of the Real Estate Institute deplores the clauses in the Finance Bill relating to tenancy wliere a property is sold, and considers that the tenant is fully proteeted under the Fair Rents Act; tho branch also considers that the provisions in question are not only irksome.but are unduly restrictive to those they seek to benefit." Referring to the clause which requires landlords who wish to gain possession of their houses to provide suitable alternative accommodation for their tenants, Mr. Wilkinson said "that this was very likely to prove to be a "boomerang" and recoil on the very persons it was designed to assist. "When a landlord who wishes to sell does get the house vacant he will lceep it vacant" said Mr. Wilkinson. "He knows that once he lets it then.he has very little chance of selling it becauso he will not be in a position to gua'rantee possession to a prospective buyer." Mr. Wilkinson said that there was a big inquiry at present for houses, botli as regards purchase and tenancy of properties. "Owners will be frightened to re-let their houses once they are empty for fear that it would jeopardise the prospeets of making a sale, and in consequence there will not.be so many houses available for letting," he added. ' 'There is already a shortage of houses for letting in Hastings, and the position will become even more acute. I have over a dozen first-class tenants wanting housesj by first-class I mcan that they are prepared to pay 30/- a week or more." "I have not the slightest doubt but that the legislation Avill have a very serious effect, and a far-reaching oue, too," he said. "And I agree with the suggestion made in Wellington that before the Finance Bill becomes laAV it should be referred to a Parliamentary committee to take evidence on the probable effect of the operation of the operation of the clauses."