Councils and Community Organisations
Community Group Housing
Housing New Zealand's Community Group Housing service provides rental homes for government-funded groups or organisations that provide residential community services. We work with a wide range of organisations that provide community housing for:
- people who experience mental illness
- people with disabilities
- women seeking refuge
- at-risk youth
- people needing emergency housing.
How Community Group Housing works
Community groups apply to rent a Housing New Zealand property. If we find they are eligible for the programme, we start looking for a suitable property. We look at Housing New Zealand homes as well as homes for sale. When we have some properties to consider, we invite the group to decide which home best meets their needs. Once they choose a property, we work with them to make it fit for their service. If we can't help, we suggest alternative options. Groups can stay as long as they want provided they use the property for the agreed purpose.
Who is eligible
To be eligible for Community Group Housing, your group needs a government contract for the service you're providing, and registration as an incorporated society or a charitable trust.
Most of the groups on the Community Group Housing programme are funded by the Ministry of Health, District Health Boards, or Child, Youth and Family.
How to apply
There is no application form. Instead, we consider proposals supported by a government contract. Your proposal should include:
- your organisation's purpose, goals and the activities you will undertake at the home
- confirmation of your funding, such as your contract
- a budget showing your operating costs, including weekly rent
- a copy of your annual report, audited accounts and financial position
- a copy of your registration as an incorporated society, or trust deed
- the names and contact details of your trust or committee members
- any letters of support you have from the community.
We also need information about your housing needs, such as required house size, wheelchair access, bathroom facilities and preferred location. We're interested in things like the number of people and vehicles you expect to have at the home, and when you expect to have the service running.
Timing
If your proposal is accepted, the time to get a house depends on a number of factors including:
- housing needed
- location
- availability of a suitable house
- alterations required.
Tenancy agreement
The final thing to do before moving in is to sign a tenancy agreement with us. This will meet the requirements of either the Residential Tenancies Act or the Property Law Act, depending on the type of service your group offers. We'll go through the agreement with you before you sign it. If you'd like external advice before signing the agreement, you can contact Tenancy Services or a lawyer.
Cost
You have to pay a market rent. The amount depends on the type of home, facilities and location.
Find out more
If your group is interested in renting a home from Housing New Zealand, or you have questions about Community Group Housing, call us on 0800 833 755.
