Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Errant tenants can't apply for state houses

Updated at 12:55 pm on 8 December 2012

Housing New Zealand has blocked 75 former tenants from applying for state houses because they breached previous rental agreements.

Housing Minister Phil Heatley said the policy, which was introduced in November last year, applies only to the most serious breaches such as unlawful or anti-social behaviour, fraud or significant vandalism.

"Neighbours are sick of some of the behaviour that they have had to put up with and we know that a strong line on this is very welcome in our communities," he said.

AAP reports the policy allows tenants to be prevented from applying for a year.

Of the 75 people involved 64 were blocked for fraud, four for anti-social behaviour and seven for unlawful activities.

Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand