Affordable Rental (Family Homes) is a government-supported programme offering long term tenancies in new, modern homes at prices below market rental rates.

It’s for qualifying low-to-moderate income working households who can’t afford market rent but who don’t qualify for or don't need public housing.   

It is currently offered at our Carey Street development.

ŌCHT’s Affordable Rental (Family Homes) programme is for qualifying low-to-moderate income working families with children who can’t afford market rent but who don’t qualify for or don't need public housing.   

We charge no-more than 79% of the average market rent for comparable homes in the rentals’ suburb.

Affordable Rental (Family Homes) homes are purposefully built in new developments with the support of the Government’s Affordable Housing Fund’s Affordable Rental Pathway.

It is currently offered at our Carey Street development.

ŌCHT’s Affordable Rental (Family Homes) properties are part of new housing developments and are typically duplex-style two storey townhouses with private yards and parking, offering two-and three-bedroom layouts.

It is currently offered at our Carey Street development.

We’re offering Affordable Rental (Family Homes) tenancies to low-to-moderate income working families with children who can’t afford market rent but who don’t qualify for or don't need public housing.   

Contact ŌCHT on 0800 624 456 or affordablerentals@ocht.org.nz to learn more or to start the application process.

Here are some of the guidelines we’ll use:

• You’re a family with children.

• You’re a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.

• You don’t qualify for inclusion on the government’s Public Housing Register.

• Your combined household income is under certain levels, based on the size of your household. This varies from up-to $80,000 for a two-bedroom home, to up-to $90,000 for a three-bedroom home.

• At least one person in your Affordable Rental (Family Homes) household must be working fulltime in the Christchurch area.

• You’ll have lived in Christchurch for at least six months and have made the city your permanent home.

• You don’t own any other properties anywhere in the world.

• You don’t have realisable assets exceeding $30,000.

We charge 79% of the average market rent for comparable homes in the rentals’ suburb.

This varies according to the kind of home and the suburb in which it’s offered.

Rents are reviewed alongside the average market rate each year.

Contact ŌCHT on 0800 624 456 or affordablerentals@ocht.org.nz for up-to-date details.

An Affordable Rental (Family Homes) household is subject to the Residential Tenancies Act so has the same rights and responsibilities as any other renting household. We also ask Affordable Rental (Family Homes) households to:

• follow the terms of your tenancy agreement

• not overcrowd the property. In general, that mean no more than two people per bedroom.

• maintain your home and garden to a good standard. ŌCHT will undertake scheduled maintenance of your property and will provide other maintenance as required. ŌCHT also maintains common areas in the overall housing community

• allow ŌCHT to carry out regular property inspections

• be a good neighbour

You’ll find out more in the Rental Agreement. The government’s Tenancy Services website explains tenants’ rights and responsibilities.

Get in touch to apply for ŌCHT’s Affordable Rental (Family Homes) programme.

Call: 0800 624 456

Email: affordablerentals@ocht.org.nz.

Our tenancy advisor will help you through the application process and answer any questions.