Find out how to make sure rent payments are as easy as possible. We are here to help you.

We want to make it as easy as possible for you to keep on top of your rent and other bills, On this page you’ll find a few useful details, but you can always contact us if you have any questions.

Bond

Kāinga Ora won’t ask for a bond when you move in – we want to make it easier for people to move into a warm, dry home, so we stopped doing this in April 2019.

Rent

Paying your rent on time can save you a lot of stress. A few missed payments might make it feel like things are only going to get worse, so call us if you’re ever concerned about being able to pay on time.

If you know you’re going to miss a payment or have already, we can work together on a plan that makes it easier to repay and means you won’t breach your tenancy agreement. Call us on 0800 801 601 if need any help.

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.

Once they’ve reviewed it, MSD will write to you to let you know if your rent is changing and what those changes will be. MSD will then send you a form to fill out about four months before your rent is due to change.

If you don't want to apply for income-related rent, or your income is over the threshold, that may mean you need to pay market rent for your home.

 

Remember to let us know immediately if your circumstances change.

For more information

  • Call Ministry of Social Development on 0800 559 009.
  • They also have more information, including frequently asked questions, on their website(external link)

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.

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.

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

Budgeting advice

There are agencies and budgeting services that can help manage your budgets or payments. They offer a range of services that can help assisting yourself or your family.

Page updated: 19 February 2024