Request for proposal - Stafford Street housing sub-lease, Westport

Buller District Council (BDC) is seeking proposals from entities that are interested in sub-leasing five, three-bedroom houses located in Stafford Street, Westport, for an initial 18-month term. 

These houses, held under a single title, were gifted to Council and used by the Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) to support individuals displaced by the July 2021 flooding event. These homes have all recently been assessed to meet the New Zealand Healthy Homes standards. Council has resolved that the most appropriate use for these properties is to lease them, as a group, to a single entity for worker accommodation. Each unit is fully fenced and equipped with a heat pump, refrigerator, and washer and dryer.

BDC is inviting interested entities to submit a proposal to sub-lease this property with an anticipated occupation date of 1 July 2025. The initial lease period would be for 18 months (to 31 December 2026) with no default right of renewal. 

Council will evaluate the performance of the lease and may seek to either extend the lease or offer the property for sale.

BDC reserves the right to either re-advertise the property for lease or rental, or directly negotiate with one, or more, of the applicants if the proposals do not meet the expectations of BDC.

We are seeking proposals from entities that employ people locally and are struggling to either attract or retain staff, because of the shortage of rental accommodation. As the houses are in a residential neighbourhood, with an aged care facility nearby it is essential that tenants are considerate of neighbouring properties. Maintaining a quiet and respectful environment will be critical to ensuring a positive relationship with the surrounding community.

Ideally, the lessee would take care of basic property care and maintenance (mowing lawns, washing windows etc), and carefully select, monitor and manage the occupancy. This would include regular reports to Council that highlight any concerns or issues. We anticipate the lease term will be for an 18-month period. After this, Council will review the agreement depending on Council’s plans for the future of the homes.

The Proposal for Sub-Leasing template can be requested by sending an email to procurement@bdc.govt.nz and must be completed and returned to Council by 4:30 pm on 20 June 2025. Please raise any additional queries via email using this address. The successful applicant will be advised by 25 June 2025 and the property will be available for occupation from 1 July 2025.