Official Information Request - 6 September 2020

Sent: Monday, 28 September 2020 2:43 pm

Subject: LGOIMA request - Council using its rights under the Public Health Act to inspect rental housing properties

I refer to your email of 6 September 2020 regarding the above, and reply below as per your request:

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?Over the past five years the Health Act 1956 has been used to inspect approximately 12 rental properties.
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?In the past five years Council has not had to issue a closure notice, repair notice or cleansing order in regards to the Housing Improvement Regulations 1947.
3. How do you identify which rental housing properties to inspect under the Public Health Act?Rental houses are inspected once a notification/complaint is received from a resident.
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?The tenant would need to lodge a complaint and an inspection would result. Complaints can be received via phone, email or in person and referred to the team to action. A letter may then be sent confirming the outcome of the inspection and any recommendations.
5. What information is available on your website or in your publications on rental housing inspections provided by the Council?The following link to Council's website provides information to tenants, home owners and landlords for free, independent advice on healthy homes:https://www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/our-city/community-development/warm-dry-homes/Pages/default.aspx
6. What is your process for engaging with the Tenancy Tribunal to provide reports on the rental housing inspections you conduct?The Tenancy Tribunal would need to initially request engagement. The inspection and reporting process that then follows mirrors what is described above in point 4.

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this response. Complaints can be sent by email to info@ombudsman.parliament.nz, by fax to (04) 471 2254, or by post to The Ombudsman, PO Box 10152, Wellington 6143.

Publication of responses to LGOIMA requests

Please note: Our LGOIMA responses may be published on the Rotorua Lakes Council website after they have been responded to, with requesters' personal details withheld. If you have any concerns about this please contact the Council on info@rotorualc.nz .

Regards