Submissions

To: NZ Parliament Social Services and Community Select Committee 
Date: June 2026 

Purpose

The purpose of this submission was to support the need to register boarding house landlords as a potential precursor to further regulation of the boarding house sector.

Summary of DPA submission

DPA supported the Bill being passed with amendment. 

We highlighted the connection between boarding house tenancy and disability with a focus on the need for all landlords to take account of accessibility, safety and security considerations. 

The tragedy of the Loafers Lodge fire in May 2023, in Wellington, brought home the poor building standards, safety issues and inaccessibility of many boarding houses, given that of the five people killed and 20 people injured, many were disabled people who experienced various barriers to escaping the flames safely. 

Recommendations 

DPA asks that the Bill is amended by inserting reference to Sections 216O to 216S into the Bill to prevent offenders who have been convicted of harassment and stalking from registering as boarding house landlords. 

DPA asks that Section 66ZK is amended to require boarding house landlords list key accessibility features present in their boarding house. 

DPA asks that Section 66ZK is amended to require boarding house landlords list any security arrangements that exist on the property. 

DPA asks that Section 66ZK is amended to require boarding house landlords list safety features within their property including the number and placement of fire escapes, fire extinguishers, and fire alarms. 

DPA asks that Section 66ZK is amended to require boarding house landlords specify as to whether their properties meet the Healthy Homes Standards.