Life in a campervan at market rates

After the February earthquake in Christchurch, I went down to write some stories for print media and online news services. Most staff in Christchurch airport were from out of town due to the workload, and were staying in campervans in the carpark, paid for by their employer.

I wondered if they grouped up and paid $270, because that’s what the Government is charging a homeless family of four to say in a campervan in the A&P show grounds. The rental is based on market rents.

Market rent is described (in the Residential Tenancies Act) as what a willing landlord might reasonably expect to receive, and a willing tenant might reasonably expect to pay for the tenancy, in comparison with rent levels for similar properties in similar areas.

The average market rent for a two bedroom flat in the central city is just $8.00 more than a campervan. For one bedroom flat, the average rent is $173.00. The government is charging at least $190 for a campervan.

A family of four would be better to snap up one of these three bedroom homes available to rent in Christchurch.