Allan Pollard. PHOTO/FILE
STEVE RENDLE
[email protected]
Trust House is defending its policy of taking a large number of photographs during quarterly visits to tenants’ homes, after one resident claimed the visits amounted to a violation of human rights.
Anita Long, who has been a Trust House tenant for nine years, said she raised concerns about the approach of one Trust House employee but when she visited to discuss the issue, she ended up talking with the same staff member.
During an inspection late last year, 72 photographs were taken of her two-bedroom home, 56 inside the house.
A more recent inspection, by a different staff member, brought the matter back to her.
“A room has four walls, a ceiling and floor … why do they need to take so many?”
Trust House chief executive Allan Pollard said taking photographs during inspections was part of Community Housing Aotearoa policy.
CHA represents 90 community housing providers around the country, including Trust House.
“The photographs are used to compare the condition of houses from one inspection to the next,” Pollard said. “They are to identify what is wear and tear and what is actual damage.”
Long said the photographs also included shots of personal possessions, but Pollard said photographs taken at Long’s house were no different to those taken at any Trust House property.
A support group for Trust House tenants is being proposed, with a meeting organised for Wednesday, June 19, 6-7pm, at Te Rangimarie Marae, Cole St, Masterton.
Bit over the top maybe
Our property manager takes photos inside and out.
Maybe there a bit over the top