Paying your rent
We want to help you keep on top of your rent and other bills. On this page you’ll find some useful information and advice. You can also contact us if you have any questions.
Paying rent
We expect all Kainga Ora tenants to pay their rent on time and in full.
We’ve made changes to how we manage rent debt to help prevent tenants from getting too far behind.
We’re acting sooner when rent payments are missed and we’ll be supporting tenants to repay their rent debt quickly.
We’re also taking a firmer approach when tenants are missing payments, ignoring their rent debt, or refusing to work with us.
It’s important to know that if that happens, we’ll be taking steps to end tenancies and we’ll do this sooner than we have in the past.
Read our approach to rent debt.
If you’re having trouble paying your rent
We know that paying rent is not always easy, especially when unexpected life events happen.
If you’re having trouble paying your rent, we’ll take all reasonable steps to make sure you have the right support to get back on track with your rent. We can also refer you to specialist support if needed – and if you agree.
If you are having trouble paying your rent, it’s important you get in touch with your Housing Support Manager on 0800 801 601 as soon as possible to avoid putting your tenancy at risk.
There are a few different ways you can pay your rent.
If you are on a benefit or superannuation
You can pay by arranging an order on your benefit or superannuation payments. Download the Redirection of benefit form [PDF, 32 KB].
If you receive another income
You can set up an automatic payment. If you are set up with internet banking you can do this online or download the Automatic payment to Kāinga Ora form [PDF, 57 KB].
If your employer is deducting your rent from your wages
Download the Authority to make deductions from wages/salary form [PDF, 40 KB]
If you prefer to pay direct
You can set up and pay by bill payment.
What is a bill payment?
Kāinga Ora is a Bill Payee for all major banks. Bill payments are managed by you for an amount you set. This means you have the flexibility to pay at different times and different amounts as you need to. Just like paying in cash, without having to visit the bank.
Unlike an automatic payment, a bill payment will only go through if you have enough money in your account, so there is no risk of reversed payments.
This can be done online, by telephone or mobile banking.
How do I pay by bill payment?
Online or mobile banking
Register for online banking with your bank, for most banks you can do this online or over the phone.
Once registered you can set up a new bill payment on the internet or from your mobile phone. Select 'Kāinga Ora –Homes and Communities' from the list of bill payee options available and fill in the payment fields as below:
|
Particulars |
Code |
Reference |
|
Rent |
Tenant name |
Payment Reference Number |
For more information on setting up online bill payments select your bank below:
- ANZ(external link)
- ASB(external link)
- BNZ(external link)
- Kiwibank(external link)
- Westpac(external link)
Contact your bank to set up telephone banking. For most banks you can do this by phone. You will need to ask them to add Kāinga Ora to your list of available Bill Payees and fill in the payment fields as below:
|
Particulars |
Code |
Reference |
|
Rent |
Tenant name |
Payment Reference Number |
Income-related rent
If you pay income-related rent, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) will review it every year, around the date you moved in.
If you don't apply for income-related rent, or your income is over the threshold, that may mean you need to pay market rent for your home. If this is the case, Kainga Ora will send you a letter with the date that your new rent payment will take effect.
Change of circumstances
If your circumstances change while you are waiting for a Kāinga Ora home, or when you are already living in one, you need to notify the Ministry of Social Development right away by calling Work and Income on 0800 559 009 or Senior Services on 0800 552 002 if you’re over 65.
Read more on what you need to do if your circumstances change
Questions or help?
If you have any questions call us between 8am-6pm Monday-Friday on 0800 801 601 and press ‘2 - Rent, payment or account enquiries’.
When you call, have your customer reference number handy.
Insurance
Property insurance
Kāinga Ora has insurance that covers your home including, damage from natural events such as storms, floods and earthquakes.
You do not have to pay for damage from these things. Your Tenancy agreement [PDF, 788 KB] will tell you the insurance that is held on your home.
Damage to your home
If you cause damage to your home, for example break a window, you need to call us on 0800 801 601 to talk about options.
Contents insurance
You will need to pay for insurance on the contents of your home, this might be your tv, bed and clothing. You can talk to your Housing Support Manager who can give you some options of providers.
Page updated: 11 February 2025