Crackdown on Dunedin landlords

Landlords of several student flats on Dunedin's Castle St have found themselves in hot water following a government investigation into the nation's rental housing standards.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment sent investigators to six flats down the popular student street, in order to crack down on poor landlord behaviour.

MBIE Manager Paul Coggan said his team were ''disappointed'' with what they saw.

''The level of non-compliance identified during this operation was concerning.

''We will not hesitate to take action for breaches of residential tenancy law.''

Mr Coggan said issues affecting warmth and dryness of homes had gone unrepaired for long periods of time, despite being brought to the attention of the landlord.

Breaches of tenancy law will be subject to compliance action and damages of up to $4000 per breach.

- Luke Tumaru