The Hawke's Bay District Health Board is taking a practical
and enlightened view when it comes to rental property. They have introduced a
two-session course called "Ready to Rent" which teaches tenants about
their rights and responsibilities when renting and basic skills like
cleanliness and heating.
In effect, those who complete the course receive a
"warrant of fitness" in the form of a letter
of support, which they can present when applying for properties. It
appears to be a first for New Zealand, although similar schemes of the same
name have been in running overseas for a number of years.
