Dunedin City Council Warns of 'Slumlords' Exploiting Students in Housing Crisis

A harrowing tale of exploitation and neglect has sparked renewed calls for action in Dunedin, where students and vulnerable tenants are increasingly falling prey to unscrupulous landlords. The Dunedin City Council has raised alarms about the growing problem of 'slumlords' taking advantage of those in need, particularly students, and has called for stronger enforcement of housing standards and better tenant protections.

During a recent council meeting, the issue was brought to the forefront by Zoe Eckhoff, a second-year student who shared a deeply troubling experience with her friends. The trio had signed a lease for a flat in Dunedin, only to find it in a deplorable state: mouldy, filthy, and completely unprepared. Despite multiple attempts to address the situation with the landlord, they faced continuous harassment and refusal to engage.

"The landlord refused to engage with us, entered without permission continuously and ignored our concerns," Eckhoff said. The situation escalated to the point where the police had to be involved. The students eventually managed to escape the lease after hiring a lawyer, installing cameras, and recording the landlord's numerous unauthorized entries. However, the emotional and financial toll was immense, with the students paying over $5,000 for a home they never lived in.

Eckhoff's mother, Pip Eckhoff, echoed the sentiment that the system is failing those in need. "Dunedin's housing is declining and unsafe. We have a broken enforcement system and slumlords are exploiting vulnerable people," she said. She emphasized that this is not an isolated incident but a systemic issue that affects many students and families.

Councillors have been urged to take a more active role in addressing the issue. Marie Laufiso, a Dunedin City Council representative, proposed a motion asking the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to share its plans for monitoring and enforcing the Healthy Homes rules. These rules, which became law in 2019, set new standards for heating, insulation, ventilation, and moisture barriers in rental properties.

Councillor David Benson-Pope highlighted the broader problem, stating, "This isn't just about one appalling landlord, there's a nest of them and they're not just in the campus area." He emphasized the need for enforcement of the Healthy Homes standards, which he believes are crucial for the well-being of tenants.

Other council members, including Christine Garey, raised concerns about the vulnerability of migrants and refugees in the housing system. She noted that some tenants had to show courage to ensure their landlords met the Healthy Homes standards, which are essential for their safety and health.

Landlords and tenants alike have expressed frustration with the current system. Amanda Dyer, a parent and ratepayer, criticized the Tenancy Tribunal for being inaccessible and inconsistent. "The fines for landlords are minimal and do not deter bad behaviour," she said, highlighting the need for stronger penalties and more effective enforcement.

Councillor Jim O'Malley shared his own experiences with landlord abuse, including being denied a deposit back despite cleaning a property multiple times. He also had to intervene to get his daughter's deposit returned after a landlord tried to charge for damages incurred before they moved in.

Councillor Lee Vandervis, however, did not support the motion, arguing that the Tenancy Tribunal was already doing its job to ensure compliance. Despite this, the council remains committed to finding solutions to protect tenants and improve housing conditions in Dunedin.

As the Healthy Homes standards come into full effect, the need for stronger enforcement and tenant protections has never been more urgent. With many students and vulnerable individuals at risk, the council is calling for a more robust system to ensure that everyone can live in safe, healthy, and respectful housing conditions.

If you or someone you know is facing similar issues, consider reaching out to local support groups or legal advisors for assistance.