67950 (2024). Tamatha Paul to the Minister of Housing

67950 (2024). Tamatha Paul to the Minister of Housing: What next steps is the Minister taking, if any, in relation to the 44 Auckland boarding houses that were suspected by Auckland Council’s boarding house inspectors to be breaking the law as of 10 June 2024?

Hon Chris Bishop: The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) understands that the breaches observed in the 44 boarding houses were primarily related to unauthorised use and alterations to buildings to accommodate more people. The Building Act 2004 places responsibility on Councils to manage compliance of buildings in their area in relation to the change of use and alteration provisions of that Act. However, MBIE has contacted the Council and received assurances that Council’s responsibilities are being exercised as expected. Additionally, MBIE’s Tenancy Compliance and Investigations team continue working collaboratively with Auckland Council to visit boarding houses of concern and check compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.