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Want to sing like an angel? Or knock everyone’s socks off on karaoke night? Due to popular demand, we’ve just recruited a new singing teacher. Leon has a background in opera and is available on Wednesdays. Call us now before he's all booked out or here’s the link to our website.
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.
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Police are investigating and schools are on alert after a girl was allegedly "indecently touched" by…
Hi neighbours, two boys stopped traffic to help a man cross the road. The boys were on their way to catch Pokemon when they saw the man trying to get to the train station. One of the boys said the man was struggling and they helped him into his wheeler, pushing him across the road. What acts of … View moreHi neighbours, two boys stopped traffic to help a man cross the road. The boys were on their way to catch Pokemon when they saw the man trying to get to the train station. One of the boys said the man was struggling and they helped him into his wheeler, pushing him across the road. What acts of kindness have you seen in your neighbourhood?
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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
Working as a nurse in a busy mental health unit, Laura Williams needs to be able to hear what's goin…
The number of measles cases in Auckland has now hit 63. The Auckland Regional Public Health Service…
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
Two teenagers are injured, one seriously, after a crash that left a fleeing stolen vehicle wrapped a…
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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?
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Does anyone know of anyone who looks after dogs in their own home, we need a good recommended dogsitter for 8 days in August.
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...
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