Learn about social housing services, eligibility, the application process and support programs.

For all information on or assistance with an application for a longer term home, either with the Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust (OCHT), Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities, or an alternate Community Housing Provider, please contact the Ministry of Social Development(external link) on 0800 559 009.

With nearly 1,900 housing units spread throughout most suburbs in Christchurch, the Council’s social housing portfolio provides homes to many people in the community.

Our housing policy requires that social housing be financially self-supporting and not funded from rates.

The Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust (OCHT) manages all tenancies for the Council's social housing. If you are a tenant, you wish to apply for housing support or are on a low income and looking for an affordable, long-term rental home, please contact OCHT directly.

Contact the Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust

  • Phone Freephone: 0800 624 456 or 03 260 0058
  • Location: 61 Kilmore Street, Christchurch
  • Hours: 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
  • Website: www.ocht.org.nz
    (external link)

The Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust separately manages all of the Council's social housing tenancies.

About the Trust

Up to nine trustees make up the Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust — three Council-appointed and up to six independents.

The Council still owns its social housing buildings and land but leases these assets to the Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust to manage separately.

The Trust is responsible for tenancy management, rent-setting, the day-to-day maintenance of units, major repairs, renewals and the development of new social housing.

The Trust also develops its own social housing for Christchurch.

As an independent charitable trust, any surplus money is reinvested back into social housing, to improve the service provided to tenants and the wider community.

Visit the Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust's website.(external link)

There is no emergency housing available through social housing with the Christchurch City Council.

Ministry of Social Development (MSD)

If you need emergency housing, contact the Ministry of Social Development(external link) on 0800 559 009.

They can help you to access emergency housing in Christchurch. They may also be able to help you with an application for a longer term home either with Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities or a Community Housing Provider. MSD runs a housing register that multiple housing providers can access.

Christchurch City Mission

If you need emergency or transitional housing, contact the Christchurch City Mission on 0800 787 855.

They are proud to lead Otautahi Christchurch's efforts to deal with homelessness and can offer emergency beds for men and women and also provide meals. They can also offer transitional housing.