Elderly persons housing
Council's Elderly Persons Housing service provides comfortable, affordable accommodation for people aged 65 and over who meet the entry criteria.
The Council owns 21 complexes providing housing units for seniors in Invercargill and Bluff. The units are clustered in villages and offer a pleasant environment in which residents can socialise if they choose. Many residents enjoy the independence that the units provide at an affordable cost.
Amenities
Most units are easily accessible, and all are insulated, and have electric ranges, washing machines, floor coverings, light fittings, drapes, heat pumps and bathroom heaters – tenants need only supply a fridge and furniture before moving in.
Several complexes have fibre connections to the units, allowing tenants to access fast broadband if they wish.
Apply for housing
Eligibility criteria
Age
Applicants will only be considered for a Rental Unit if they are at least 65 years old at the date of application.
Asset Limits
The value of an applicant’s assets will affect the priority your application receives. The asset limit is set by Council and may be adjusted from time to time. Currently the asset limit is $50,000 per application. If an applicant’s assets are more than $50,000 then they will not be eligible for a Rental Unit.
Income Limits
The income limit for single people and couples is currently GRI (the gross New Zealand Superannuation rate) plus 30%.
Independence
Council is not an aged care provider. The Rental Units are stand-alone and applicants need to be able to live and care for themselves independently.
The use of home support services will not mean applications are automatically excluded but will be a factor considered when determining the ability of the Rental Unit and this service to meet the needs of the applicant. Applicants may be required to complete a medical assessment at their own cost as part of their application, in order to help us ensure the appropriate unit is allocated for their needs.
Citizenship / Residency
Applicants must be a New Zealand Citizen or have Residency / Permanent Residency. If an applicant was born overseas they will need to provide proof of Residency or Citizenship.
Good Character
Council must be satisfied that the applicant will be a good tenant and able to live co-operatively with others on the site. When applying for housing the applicant will be asked to supply two character references, and will also have an informal interview with a member of the Council housing team.
For further details on the elderly housing service, including eligibility and tenant rules, refer to the Elderly Persons Housing Policy on the Policies page.
- Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria described above.
- Download and complete the Elderly Persons Housing application form (PDF, 348.5KB).
- Phone us on (03) 211 1777 and make an appointment with the Housing Officer to discuss your application.
Need help?
For assistance on the application process, or to learn more about elderly persons housing, phone us on (03) 211 1777 and ask to speak to the Housing Officer.
For tenants
Refer to the Tenant Information Booklet (PDF, 861.9KB) for helpful reminders on using the appliances in your unit.
For further assistance, call us on (03) 211 1777 and ask to speak to the Housing Officer.
