Council approves senior housing rent changes

Buller District councillors opted to keep management of council’s senior housing units in-house but increase rents to a level reflective of the actual cost of providing this service to the community at yesterday’s full council meeting.

Current tenants will be notified today, with council staff visiting each tenant in person to explain the outcome of yesterday’s meeting.
Staff will also work with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to support tenants through the transition and help them apply for the Accommodation Supplement if they are eligible.

Rents will be confirmed through next year’s Annual Plan process, allowing tenants considerable notice ahead of the rent increase on 1 July 2026.

This change in rent structure will help reduce the cost of the senior housing service to general ratepayers by ensuring rents make a realistic contribution towards the ongoing costs, such as repairs and maintenance.

Group Manager Community Services Krissy Trigg says: “By exploring the options around how we can ease the burden on ratepayers and make the service financially sustainable, we hope to ensure the ongoing provision of senior housing for our community into the future.”
Council will now work towards deciding on an equitable rent structure that covers repairs and maintenance costs while keeping the charge made to tenants affordable.

“While the rents will increase, council’s adjustment from 1 July 2026 will reflect a fair rental cost which adequately covers the expenses involved in providing senior housing but will not be as high as standard market rents. Early feedback from our seniors has been positive” continues Ms Trigg.

“While council staff will help eligible tenants through the application process for the Accommodation Supplement, whether or not a tenant ultimately receives the supplement depends on individuals’ personal situations, and MSD will make that decision.”

Council’s Customer Services and Property teams will continue to manage the provision of senior housing, providing a complete service from applications and tenant placement to ongoing maintenance, addressing tenants’ day-to-day concerns and providing additional assistance where possible.

-ENDS-

For further information please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz 

Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.