Community housing at ŌCHT
Stable homes for people in need, with support to settle and grow
Our community housing provides secure, long-term homes for people who need them most, supporting dignity, stability and connection in communities across Christchurch, Lyttelton and Akaroa.
We are a registered community housing provider - one of the largest in Aotearoa - and we offer homes to people on the Ministry of Social Development’s Public Housing Register, providing affordability and stability, and a place to settle and grow.
What is community housing?
Community housing is rental housing for people who cannot access secure and affordable housing in the private market.
It is available to people on the Ministry of Social Development’s Public Housing Register and is supported by the government’s Income Related Rent Subsidy. The subsidy means people pay no more than a percentage of their income (usually about 25%) on rent when in community housing.
How to access community housing at ŌCHT
We do not accept direct applications to OCHT for community housing.
To be considered, you must first be on the Ministry of Social Development Public Housing Register. Once you’re on the register, community housing providers like ŌCHT can be match you with suitable vacancies.
Steps to get started:
Contact MSD or Work and Income to join the Public Housing Register:
0800 559 009 (general enquiries)
0800 552 002 (senior citizens)
or onlineMSD assesses your eligibility and place on the register.
If a home that matches your needs becomes available through ŌCHT, we will contact you.
Like all community housing providers in Christchurch, we have limited vacancies and strong demand, so there is no guarantee of timing, but being on the register ensures you’re considered by all community housing providers as eligible homes become available.
Where our homes are
We provide community housing throughout greater Christchurch, from Belfast to New Brighton, Lyttelton to Akaroa.
We offer a range of property types, mostly in multi-unit housing complexes rather than standalone houses.
Other things to know
Pets: Our properties aren’t suitable for dogs. In some cases, we can accommodate registered disability assist dogs. We may allow one cat per household.
Application support: We can arrange interpreting services or additional assistance to help you through the application and tenancy process.
Emergency housing: We don’t provide emergency or crisis accommodation. If you need urgent housing, please contact MSD or Work and Income on 0800 559 009 for guidance on available options.
We’re here for our community
ŌCHT’s plays a critical part in Christchurch’s housing system. By providing safe, secure, and sustainable homes for people who otherwise may be at risk of housing insecurity, we help individuals and whānau build stability, strengthen their connection to community, and have a platform from which to pursue opportunity and wellbeing.
Our work is shaped by values of respect, dignity, and long-term impact - ensuring our homes and housing services support belonging.
