Eligibility & Policy

Retirement Housing Policy

Council's full retirement housing policy can be viewed by clicking on the below link.

Link to Council policies.

Eligibility

• The primary focus will be to provide housing for older people, i.e. 65 years of age or older.
• The secondary focus will be to accept tenants between the ages of 60 and 64 years.
• To be eligible for consideration, applicants must:

1. Not have more than $100,000 in total assets, ie property, in the bank or in investments. The equity in family trust will be taken into consideration when assessing eligibility;
2. Be a Community Services Card holder OR receiving a permanent benefit;
3. Be able to live independently; and
4. Be compatible with a communal housing environment.

• Should an urgent need arise in relation to a person not on the waiting list or lower down on the waiting list, and the applicant meets the criteria above, the application will be referred to the Department Manager for a decision. Applicants may be required to attend an interview.
• The acceptance or otherwise of prospective tenants will be undertaken strictly in accordance with this policy.

Rent and Rent Reviews

• Rent will be determined by Council at approximately 25% of gross NZ Superannuation.
• Rent levels are reviewed annually and consideration will be given to adjusting them:
• a. In line with the movement in the Consumer Price Index (CPI); and/or
• b. In line with the required income levels as determined through Council's Long Term Plans and Annual Plans.
• On the commencement of a new tenancy, rent is to be paid two weeks in advance and ongoing rental is to be paid by direct debit unless the Department Manager, for good reason, allows a different yet secure payment methodology. Rent must remain in advance by two weeks during the length of tenancy. This amount will be refunded to outgoing tenants if no damage has occurred during the term of their tenancy. Normal fair wear and repairs are excluded from the definition of damage.
• A bond of four week's rent is required on the commencement of a new tenancy.

Contents of Units/Insurance

• Units are provided with electric stoves, a heater of sufficient capacity to warm the main living areas and outlets for washing machines. All other fittings such as refrigerators, washing machines, clothes dryers, additional heaters etc. are the responsibility of the tenants.
• Council insures the units for replacement value and tenants are responsible for arranging insurance cover on their furniture and contents. Tenants will be required to arrange for and keep their own insurance protection in place and evidence of this will be a pre-requisite for renting a flat.