Affordable Rentals now available for people on low incomes
Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust (ŌCHT) now offers Affordable Rentals for people on low incomes who cannot afford market rent but who might not qualify for social housing.
The long-term tenancies are at prices well below local average market rates and available at housing complexes throughout Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.
Most are offered in one-bedroom units in terrace-style complexes comprising five-to-fifty units. Most would suit single people or couples familiar with community living.
Availability varies so people should contact ŌCHT to discuss options and to start the application process.
ŌCHT chief executive Cate Kearney says the Trust’s new rental option can provide certainty for people on low incomes experiencing rental stress in the open market.
“We know there’s a persistent gap between market rates and what many people on low incomes can afford to pay to secure – and keep – a long-term tenancy.
“Rental stress makes it harder for people to settle in a community, to focus on their health and wellbeing and to plan for and save to meet their needs and goals.”
ŌCHT already provides rentals at less-than market rates for tenancies previously managed by the Christchurch City Council.
It also continues to provide community housing, also known as social housing.
The Trust also offers government-supported affordable rental and Progressive Home Ownership schemes for low-income earning families at new homes in its Carey Street housing complex.
“Our new Affordable Rental option builds on our mission to provide affordable, sustainable housing to support our community,” Ms Kearney says.
“It also aligns with our desire help people move through the housing continuum, away from acute need and into a home that could be theirs for years to come.”
The first Affordable Rental properties will be available from September.
Low income earning people looking for a one- or two-bedroom unit should call ŌCHT on 0800 624 456 or email affordablerentals@ocht.org.nz to learn more, to see what’s available and to start the application process.
Fast facts about Affordable Rentals
ŌCHT’s Affordable Rentals cost less than the average market rent for their area.
ŌCHT’s Affordable Rentals are open to low-income earning households experiencing rental stress in the open market
Affordable Rental will be offered in one- and some two-bedroom units. That means they are most likely suitable for single people and couples.
ŌCHT’s housing complexes range in size from five to 50 units. Their units are arranged in blocks, so would suit people familiar with community living.
All units have heat pumps and extractor fans and meet the government’s Healthy Home standards.
New tenancies will be offered as units become vacant.
ŌCHT will manage a waiting list to help people find the unit they need.
ŌCHT’s experienced in-house teams manage tenancies and property maintenance.
ŌCHT is one of the few landlords in Christchurch with a 24/7, 0800 helpline supporting its services.
ŌCHT is the South Island’s biggest community affordable rental provider.
Affordable Rental does not affect the number of homes ŌCHT currently offers for community housing.
ŌCHT also offers a government-supported Affordable Rentals for Families programme at new homes at its Carey Street development. This has different criteria to ŌCHT’s core Affordable Rentals product. You can learn more about it here.