Appeal for Canterbury rental homes

The Government is appealing to homeowners with unoccupied Canterbury properties to make them available to those left homeless by the September 4 earthquake.

Housing Minister Phil Heatley said Housing New Zealand Corporation would lease the properties - such as farm cottages and holiday homes - from the owners, then tenant them.

"Many people have no experience with, have never considered, or don't want the hassle of, renting out their property but we need them to consider it now," Heatley said.

"We are primarily appealing to people with unoccupied second properties in the Canterbury region, but houses in nearby regions could also be considered on a case-by-case basis."

Tenants would not have to pay a bond and rental payments could be deferred for the first month -- but the corporation would pay the owners rent for the time they were available and ensure houses were returned to homeowners in the same condition as when they were first leased.

"This programme will take the hassle out of finding a home for people who have already been through a traumatic experience," Heatley said.

Property owners able to participate should call the corporation on 0800 435700.

- NZPA