Housing (Social)
Council's initial involvement in the provision of Social Housing was to fill a gap in the 1970s and 1980s for housing not being provided by Central Government or the private sector.
Suspensory loans from the Government assisted with the cost of development of Council's Social Housing housing units. The long standing intention is that this activity be self funding. No negative effects have been identified from this service.
Council undertook a review of its community and older persons housing in the District in December 2007.
Ruapehu District Council owns 26 flats and 31 bedsits in four complexes in Taumarunui and 8 flats in one complex in Ohakune. 16 older persons units in Raetihi are under a long term lease with the Waimarino Rest Home Trust. Most units have one bedroom suitable for a single person although some units have a slightly larger bedroom suitable for a couple. Eight units have 2 bedrooms. Some units are suitable for people who have disabilities.
Housing is suitable for people who are able to live independently. Interested people who met the eligibility criteria are required to complete an application form (see below). The process involves an interview, character references, etc.
Once this is successfully completed the applicants name is placed on a waiting list. In many cases applicants can be housed immediately. All information supplied on the application form is treated in strict confidence.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Older persons being 60 years of age or over and having a housing need.
2. Applicants below 60 years can be considered if they are in receipt of an invalid’s benefit or a special age benefit subject to Work and Income approval.
3. They are a handicapped person where the local Medical of Health supports the need.
4. Applicants below 60 years of age being recommended as medically incapable of supporting a property will be considered on their individual merits.
5. Have a genuine housing need.
6. Supply exceeds demand (no waiting list).
7. Able to live compatibly with their neighbours.
Car Parking
Some on-site parking is provided for tenants. Some complexes have garages or carports. There is a weekly charge for garages.
Rentals/Bond
Rentals vary, depending on the size of the unit. Rental payments are usually made by direct debit from the tenant's bank account. Two weeks' rent in advance is required on confirmation of the tenancy.
In addition, a bond to the equivalent of two weeks' rental is also required.
Furnishings/Laundry Facilities
All units are supplied with carpet, vinyl, drapes and nets at main windows and a stove. Bedsits usually have a rangette. Note that some of the tenants in Cherry Grove (Taumarunui) have supplied their own carpet.
Two of the Taumarunui complexes are provided with communal laundries, containing washing machines and dryers. The charge for these is included in the weekly rental. In all other units, tenants are required to provide their own washing machines/dryers.
Maintenance
The buildings are maintained by Council to a good standard.
The grounds around the units are maintained by Council contractors. Most units are provided with a small garden for tenants to use. These are barked if the tenant does not wish to maintain it.
Survey
In 2009, the majority of tenants said that overall satisfaction with their housing was very good or good. Almost all felt that they were safe and secure in their units. Other positive comments made were the location of the units, friendliness of neighbours and not having to maintain property or grounds.
| Links
| PDF Size
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| Community and Older Persons Housing Review | 50kb | View |
| Current Rental Charges | | View |
| Housing - Social - Details | | View |
| Social Housing Application Form | 127kb | View |
| Social Housing Guide | 217kb | View |
| Social Housing Survey 2012 | 1.77MB | View |
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