Key Takeaways
- A mother and her children were evicted from a transitional housing property managed by the Salvation Army due to alleged tenancy breaches.
- The property had numerous maintenance issues, including mould, asbestos, faulty electrics, and a leaking shower wall.
- The mother disputed receiving help from the Salvation Army and believed another provider declined assistance due to comments made by the organization.
- The Salvation Army stated it worked with the landlords to remedy concerns when maintenance issues were identified and provided support to the mother to find alternative housing.
- The mother is still awaiting a mediation date and is disappointed not to have been provided permanent housing after a long time in transitional housing.
Introduction to the Situation
The situation described is a distressing one, where a mother and her children were left with nowhere to go after being evicted from a transitional housing property managed by the Salvation Army. The eviction occurred on December 8, when contractors arrived and started putting their belongings outside. The mother’s grandmother reluctantly took them in, as her own house was already overcrowded, and she believed the problem was for the Salvation Army or Housing New Zealand to solve.
Maintenance Issues at the Property
The property in question had numerous maintenance issues, which the mother identified as including mould, an old textured ceiling coating that crumbled in hot weather, a gap in the front yard fence, an insecure exterior door, faulty electrics, and a stove that didn’t work when she moved in. Other issues included draughty windows, water leaking from a shower wall, and no underlay between carpet and concrete flooring, resulting in a cold and hard surface for her children. The presence of mould and asbestos in the property posed a significant health risk, especially for young children.
Response from the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army confirmed it was engaged in mediation for the case through Fairway Dispute Resolution and stated that its team had acted in accordance with its internal processes and the guidance outlined in the Transitional Housing Code of Practice. The organization claimed to have worked closely with the mother, offering support to find alternative housing and navigate the process. However, the mother disputed receiving help and believed another provider declined assistance due to comments made by the Salvation Army.
Transitional Housing Code of Practice
Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga – Ministry of Housing and Urban Development oversees transitional housing providers, such as the Salvation Army, and established a Transitional Housing Code of Practice. This code sets minimum standards for housing quality, tenancy management, and dispute resolution. Providers must ensure properties meet Healthy Homes Standards, including adequate heating, insulation, and ventilation, and respond promptly to maintenance issues. They are also required to support tenants in finding alternative housing and make planned exits a last resort.
Alleged Tenancy Breaches
The mother claimed she was issued three alleged tenancy breaches, which she believed were unfair. The first breach was for rubbish strewn by a dog that got in through a gap in the fence, but she had not received paperwork for this breach. The second breach was for a glass drug bong found on top of a kitchen cupboard, which the mother said was not hers. The third breach was for refusing a further inspection, which the mother claimed was scheduled fortnightly. She questioned whether these breaches would stand up to scrutiny and believed they were in retaliation for ongoing maintenance concerns she and her grandmother raised.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The mother is still awaiting a mediation date and is disappointed not to have been provided permanent housing after a long time in transitional housing. The situation highlights the need for adequate maintenance and support for tenants in transitional housing, as well as the importance of fair and transparent dispute resolution processes. The Salvation Army’s response to the situation has been criticized, and it remains to be seen how the mediation process will unfold. The mother’s story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those in need of housing support and the importance of ensuring that their rights and needs are respected.
