Christchurch earthquake: Pay rent, says city

Tenants in council flats who survived the earthquake and whose homes are intact face a new battle - housing bosses who are demanding rent.

Only a quarter of the tenants remain living in blocks of Christchurch City Council units visited by the Herald on Sunday in the eastern suburbs.

Tenants said their flats - costing $97 a week - had been inspected by council staff who had told them they had to keep paying even though they had no power, water or sewage services.

Tony McGeorge, 49, on Palmers Rd, said he had asked for a discount and been refused.