Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the coin, threats by the government to introduce WOFs for rental accommodation have resulted in the typical cry from landlords that they can't afford it.
A spokesperson said: "Naturally, landlord groups are concerned that a rental WOF will unfairly put a burden on them."
Naturally, indeed! Where would we be without those with the money crying poor?
This is simply a no-brainer. If you drive a car, it must have a WOF. If you get in a lift, it must have a WOF. If you work in a multi-storey building, it must have a WOF.
How the hell is it unfair to rent only suitable dwellings? If you house a dog in insanitary conditions, you will be prosecuted, but not if you allow humans to rent your unsafe, filthy piece of crap.
Landlords take money for unsafe houses and flats, and that is not on. They cry, as in the case of the same spokesperson, "The margins are very, very tight and I think people don't realise that. They make the assumption that landlord equals rich person."
That is one of the biggest loads of shit I've read in my entire life. Margins tight? Bullshit!
When interest rates were 7, 8 and 9% margins were tight and property values were static. Now, interest rates are 5% and property is increasing in value by the week.
Landlords - absurdly - are not hit with a capital gains tax, yet are able to claim losses against their own tax, so they are really in a win-win-win situation, while the tenant can only lose.
This is one where the National Party can do some real good in the community: enforce standards, don't allow landlords to rent out unsafe, insanitary dwellings.
Given that National will never introduce a capital gains tax, enforcing WOFs is the least they can do.
Copyright © Alan Charman