Community Law in Canterbury wants the Government to pay for legal advice for residents affected by the earthquakes.
In June the Government announced about 5000 damaged properties in Christchurch and Kaiapoi will have to be abandoned and offered to buy the homes.
Community Law says once those homeowners receive their offers, they should see a lawyer before signing anything.
It says many people won't be able to afford legal advice and he says the Government should pay for it.
The agency says state and federal governments in Australia learnt after the bushfires tragedy that provision of legal assistance is part of the community recovery process.
