Thank you for using Neighbourly
Next time you're looking at a rental and the property manager asks to see a bank statement, feel free to decline.
It's one of several questions that are "almost never justified", according to new guidelines on what personal information landlords can request from prospective … View moreNext time you're looking at a rental and the property manager asks to see a bank statement, feel free to decline.
It's one of several questions that are "almost never justified", according to new guidelines on what personal information landlords can request from prospective tenants issued by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC).
The guidelines, colour-coded for easy reference, come in response to reports landlords were asking to see tenants' bank statements.
"I see a lot of people who are low socio-economic and their bank statements literally will read, 'KFC, McDonald's, the dairy, KFC, McDonald's, court fine', trucks that they buy, goods that they can't afford," a property manager told a select committee hearing last year.
NZ First MP Darroch Ball, who was at the hearing, called it a "gross invasion of privacy" - and the OPC agrees.
"It may be lawful for landlords to collect information to assess whether a tenant can pay rent, however, collecting their bank statements to determine their money management style may be unfair or unreasonably intrusive," said Privacy Commissioner John Edwards.
"Landlords should only collect the minimum amount of personal information necessary to make that decision."
So what can landlords and property managers ask for?
There is a limited amount the OPC deems "always justified".
• Name and proof of identity
• Contact information
• Name and contact information for current landlord
• One or two previous landlords as references
• Expected length of tenancy applied for
• Whether the applicant has ever been evicted
• Pet ownership
• Whether the applicant must give notice at their current accommodation
• Authorisation to perform a criminal record check
• Number of occupants who will live in the unit
The following queries are "sometimes justified", according to the OPC.
• Personal references - where landlord references aren't available
• Current income verification (e.g. pay slips, redacted bank statements) - where satisfactory references aren't available
• Authorisation to collect a credit report
• where satisfactory references aren't available
• Whether the prospective tenant is a smoker
• if it's a non-smoking property
• Reasons for leaving previous tenancy
• And "almost never justified" queries include the below.
The things landlords can and can't ask you
Broad consent to collect personal information from "other sources"
• Driver licence number
• Credit card information
• Nationality, ethnicity, origin or citizenship
• Physical or mental disability or illness
• Personal beliefs or opinions
• Marital and family status
• Gender and sexual orientation
• Rent paid at previous tenancy
• Sports and hobbies
• Current expenses
• Conflicts with previous neighbour tenants or building managers
• Proof of insurance
• Languages spoken
• Details about current accommodation
• Banking history
• Employment history
• Age
• Employment status
The OPC says landlords and property managers should collect "the minimum amount of personal information necessary" to decide their next tenant.
"For instance, if a credit report shows that an applicant is creditworthy, there's no need to collect their bank statements."
Once you've been chosen as the property's next tenant, the landlord or property is entitled to ask for a bit more information, including the below.
• Payment information you'll need to collect rent
• Name and number/address of an emergency contact person
• Vehicle information, such as vehicle registration number, make and model, if the tenant will be parking on your property
• Name and number of emergency contacts
"These guidelines are designed to help landlords make a reasonable decision about what personal information to collect from prospective tenants," said Edwards.
www.msn.com...
Get wiggy with the Child Cancer Foundation this Wig Wednesday the 19th of June!
Last year’s Wig Wednesday raised over $100 000 for the foundation which provides personalised support for hundreds of Kiwi kids and their families every year. This year, we hope to make Wig Wednesday even bigger … View moreGet wiggy with the Child Cancer Foundation this Wig Wednesday the 19th of June!
Last year’s Wig Wednesday raised over $100 000 for the foundation which provides personalised support for hundreds of Kiwi kids and their families every year. This year, we hope to make Wig Wednesday even bigger and better so that we can continue to provide this essential support.
All you need to do is register your school, business or community group, wear a wig (borrowed, made or bought) and make a donation on the 19th. For more information, you can view our website here or just register directly here.
#wigwednesday
#childcancerfoundation
Maritime New Zealand is disappointed a boat company was acquitted after a man fell into the Waitemat…
This is the theme of this year's Youth Week, a nationwide festival of events to celebrate the talents, passion and success of local young people, on now until May 26th.
Organised every May by Ara Taiohi, the week inspires us to value, support, and affirm the diversity of young people in our … View moreThis is the theme of this year's Youth Week, a nationwide festival of events to celebrate the talents, passion and success of local young people, on now until May 26th.
Organised every May by Ara Taiohi, the week inspires us to value, support, and affirm the diversity of young people in our society. The goal of Youth Week is to make Aotearoa a country where young people are vibrant and optimistic and are supported and encouraged to take up challenges. 💙💪
#NSNZsupportingouryoungpeople
If you have burning tax, tenancy and legal questions Auckland Property Investors' Association will be featuring Huw Evans (property manager), Kristine King (lawyer) and Nick Ashford (accountant).
Each panellist will talk briefly about important developments in their respective industries and … View moreIf you have burning tax, tenancy and legal questions Auckland Property Investors' Association will be featuring Huw Evans (property manager), Kristine King (lawyer) and Nick Ashford (accountant).
Each panellist will talk briefly about important developments in their respective industries and spend the rest of the session doing nothing but answering your questions.
Subject areas
● Landlording/property management;
● Accounting;
● Legal;
The panellists at this session are:
Huw Evans, property manager from Barfoot & Thompson
Kristine King, lawyer and director of Duncan King Law
Nick Ashford, accountant from Withers Tsang.
www.apia.org.nz...
Learn more at www.maximsherstobitov.nz...)
P.S. Did you find it useful? Please share it with your friends. Thank you!
Do you have any unwanted cars that you want to convert into $$$Cash$$$ today or do you want to get rid of any unwanted appliance or batteries?
We pay instant top cash for your unwanted cars, vans, 4x4s and UTEs. We are locally owned and operated. Auckland wide pick up.
Free tipping for … View moreDo you have any unwanted cars that you want to convert into $$$Cash$$$ today or do you want to get rid of any unwanted appliance or batteries?
We pay instant top cash for your unwanted cars, vans, 4x4s and UTEs. We are locally owned and operated. Auckland wide pick up.
Free tipping for unwanted Appliance & Batteries. We are conveniently located at 28 Bruce McLaren Road, Henderson, Auckland.
Free Removal & free tipping for unwanted appliance & batteries.
Call now 0800 88 88 06
Hello fellow neighbours
Just a friendly reminder
Forward from NZTA:
Planned night-time closures of the Royal Rd Bridge over State Highway 16 will occur most nights during a four week period from Mon 20 May, with local detours in place. The closures will take place between 8pm and 5am on most … View moreHello fellow neighbours
Just a friendly reminder
Forward from NZTA:
Planned night-time closures of the Royal Rd Bridge over State Highway 16 will occur most nights during a four week period from Mon 20 May, with local detours in place. The closures will take place between 8pm and 5am on most nights from Sunday to Thursday each week. These works will be weather dependent and may be cancelled or postponed at short notice. Please note that the motorway on-ramp and off-ramp will both remain open, unless a SH16 full motorway closure is also required.
The new bridge at Royal Rd has greater height clearance over the motorway than the one it replaced. The closures are to allow the road on the eastern side and the on-ramp to the motorway to be built up to the same height as the bridge. These construction works are a part of the SH16 Lincoln to Westgate project which will improve the Northwestern Mwy and support expected growth in the western suburbs and increased traffic using the Western Ring Route. More: ow.ly... ^MF
One minute you take the washing out to the line and nek minute rain drops the size of moth balls are hitting your head!!! I give up ;)
Anyone else has the same issue out west :)
Hi Neighbours!
What do your cat, your car, your home and your health have in common?
They are all things you want to be sure are looked after if you’re unable to.
Set up an Enduring Power of Attorney www.superseniors.msd.govt.nz...
Jessica Whitten recently suffered flaky eyelids and bleached and patchy eyelashes after having eyelash extensions allegedly glued to her eyelids at Everlast Nails and Beauty in Westfield Albany. An expert in eyelash extensions said the adhesive used to attach the lashes should never make contact … View moreJessica Whitten recently suffered flaky eyelids and bleached and patchy eyelashes after having eyelash extensions allegedly glued to her eyelids at Everlast Nails and Beauty in Westfield Albany. An expert in eyelash extensions said the adhesive used to attach the lashes should never make contact with the skin. However, Everlast Nails and Beauty denied these claims suggesting Whitten had rubbed her eyes and pulled at her lashes.
Have you had a beauty procedure go wrong? Let us know what happened in the comments.
[Please type 'NFP' if your comment is not for print.]
Professional curtain cleaning service in Auckland. CleaningPro curtain cleaners are experienced in cleaning most types of curtains. We also provide curtain mould treatment, curtain repair and curtain lining replacement services.
Book online :
cleaningpro.co.nz...
Call Now: 0800405670 email: … View moreProfessional curtain cleaning service in Auckland. CleaningPro curtain cleaners are experienced in cleaning most types of curtains. We also provide curtain mould treatment, curtain repair and curtain lining replacement services.
Book online :
cleaningpro.co.nz...
Call Now: 0800405670 email: info@cleaningpro.co.nz
Are you looking for an honest and reliable house cleaner in your neighbourhood?
Well, look no further!
I have 15 years' experience in the house cleaning service and recommendations from my clients.
If you need my help, just give me a call on 02108188018, Silviya
Free to a good home. Brown two-drawer metal filing cabinet with fawn drawers. Has a few marks on the top. Pick up is between Coatesville and Riverhead.
© Neighbourly 2024
Loading…
