Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Govt to charge rent for temporary quake housing

Updated at 10:16 am on 10 March 2011

Christchurch residents forced into temporary government-supplied accommodation due to the earthquake will be required to pay rent.

It is estimated up to 10,000 houses will have to be demolished in the city and a further 100,000 need repairs following the 6.3-magnitude quake on 22 February, in which at least 166 people died.

More than 70,000 buildings in the city have now been assessed and 2700 have been given red stickers, meaning they are too dangerous to live in.

Housing Minister Phil Heatley says he expects thousands of people will need help with short- and long-term accommodation.

The Government is working to make mobile homes, holiday parks and cabins available as short-term rentals for up to six months, he says.

For those needing a home for longer, the Government is looking at self-contained units.

However, Mr Heatley says any government-supplied options will be a supplement to private-sector housing and will not be provided free of charge.

Insurance will pick up the cost for many people, while others will be eligible for a government accommodation supplement.

Mr Heatley says he expects many people who have to move will make their own arrangements.

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