Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 36, Number 2. 7th March 1973

Hidden Clauses

Hidden Clauses

Some tenants "agree" that their landlords will have the right to throw them out of their houses or even take their possessions and sell them if the rent falls in arrears or they break the tenancy agreement somehow. What happens is that the landlord presents to the tenant a long lease for his signature; no flat. Hidden in the agreement is a clause overriding all the tenant's normal legal rights. If the tenant signs it, and he has no choice, he is considered by the law to have agreed to this clause as well as to all the others.

The great weakness of TPA is that it can only act if it knows that something is happening. Many tenants have not heard of it. Many may think that there is no way they can be helped. The same applies to laws which, like the Rent Control Regulations, rely on the tenant taking the initiative. The only solution is control exercised by a government body which keeps in touch with the situation through many inspectors and case workers, and can act without being called in. Rent control should apply to all houses whether or not the tenants have the initiative or in some cases the courage to ask for it. The Police should make it known that they are always available to uphold tenants' rights before the law. Until that happens Tenants Protection fills an important role.

Wellington Tenants Protection Association Incorporated Phone 44-814 P.O. Box 11160

We need members and money. If you can assist in either way please contact us at the above telephone number or address.