Flood report reveals renter-landlord power dynamics creating risks

In an attempt to help locals prepare for the worst with severe weather, The Renting and Climate Change in Tāmaki Makaurau report found several gaps in essential communication.

Nancy Baines, the Principal for Flood Risk in the Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience said there were guesses being made where dialogue could’ve been more effective.

“Tenants were assuming that the landlord would disclose climate-related risks with flooding, so were property managers. But the landlords were expecting tenants to self-serve that information,” she explained to rova.

There is currently no legal obligation for landlords to disclose climate-related risks and flooding risks to potential tenants.

But, Baines suggested that fear could be a factor stopping renters from voicing concerns over their properties.

“In Tāmaki Makaurau, nearly 40% of households rent. And when you're renting… Sometimes you don't want to raise too many problems because you're worried that you might be moved on or that your landlord won't be happy.”

“You might not feel like you do have power to ask,” she added.

Additional climate research from the Natural Hazards Commission shows extreme rainfall in New Zealand can come in at unexpected time, leaving a number of communities exposed to repeated events 

Baines added that many overly relied heavily on recollections of past storms to prepare for upcoming ones, instead of using readily available up‑to‑date flood information.

To take steps to prepare, she said smartly storing valuables and strategically parking cars can go a long way.

“Things like storing your valuables and your family photos up high so that if floodwater does come through your home, you're not losing those memories.”

“Moving your car as well out of any low-lying areas… For a lot of renters, their car is their biggest asset and, you know, it would change all of our lives if we lost our car,” she said.

Both reports highlighted a greater need for community awareness and conversation to strengthen resilience in times of crisis