Sustaining Tenancies provides support to individuals and whānau who need help to sustain their tenancy and address any issues which put their tenancy at risk.

The Methodist Mission Southern provides this service in Otago and Southland and this is a government project to reduce these occurrences in our community - ‘homelessness is prevented where possible, or is rare, brief and nonrecurring’.

Tenancy can sometimes be a very confusing and difficult concept to understand. With support one of our clients has resolved a distressing incident with a landlord. There was some confusion relating to who was included in the client lease. Our client wanted their partner on the lease agreement but was unable to make their wishes understood by the property manager. With much deliberation, mentoring, and advocacy the problem has been solved. Our client was then able to work with the property manager themselves to resolve some maintenance issues that needed to be attended to.

The Mission’s two Sustaining Tenancies Specialists / Taituāra a Hāpori Megan and Tammylee carry a caseload of sixty clients per year and are constantly balancing enquiries about the service. Questions have been asked even at midnight through Facebook Messenger for help with unresolved tenancy issues.

Megan and Tammylee act as advocates for clients when communication has broken down or become dysfunctional, which occurs for various reasons. They work with the homeowners to find a satisfactory outcome that benefits both parties. Their intervention results in creating better living conditions and problem-solving rent arrears going some way to fulfilling our vision of a safe, caring, and sustainable society where every citizen is valued and respected. It is not a level playing field when English is a second language, poverty reduces your choices or there is a lack of understanding of cultural norms that influences how you communicate with landlords to feel safe in the home you occupy. We are committed to helping create equal opportunities to lead a fulfilled life.

Megan reports “We have managed clients with hoarding issues, healthy home contraventions, rent arrears, tribunal tenancies disputes, to general maintenance.”

Maintenance support is a significant area where help is needed. One client had worked hard for some time to get their property tidied up and acceptable to the landlord. Unfortunately, whilst mowing their lawns, a large stone flicked up onto one of the lounge room windows, causing considerable damage. With three young children, and already struggling to manage a tight budget they were unable to afford to get the window fixed. With our support, quotes were obtained for the window replacement, and it has now been scheduled for repair. The family expressed heartfelt gratitude for this amazing service.”

“The work has been rewarding by empowering people to have confidence when dealing with property managers and owners.” Megan states, however, “It has been evident that if referrals come earlier problems can be averted and avoid escalation.”

Clearly seen in various passages of the Bible, the concept of "home" carries both a physical and spiritual significance. To ensure the enduring nature of a home, rather than a house as an asset (as it is for some landlords), surely it should be a precedence that the tenants feel safe, secure, and healthy; “a peaceful dwelling place.”

A recent Sustaining Tenancies client faced health issues, including a back problem requiring surgery. Although their yard was small, they struggled to maintain it due to physical challenges and a tight budget. Fortunately, with the assistance of the Sustaining Tenancies service, they were provided with an electric lawn mower, easing the strain on their back with its push-button start. The client expressed deep gratitude, for the independence and accomplishment as they can now easily maintain their lawns.

The Mission’s Sustaining Tenancies, in its third year, has proved to be successful and busy work, providing support for at-risk tenants. During this time support has been provided to people who are struggling to hold onto the lease for their home. A raft of obstacles such as mental health issues, adverse life events (e.g., breakups, job losses, family violence), conflicts with landlords, alcohol or drug use, and uncertainties following release from prison. Help with rising power costs, support for individuals facing homelessness due to fires, aid in securing rental bonds, financial assistance for managing changes in family finances after a partner leaves, and guidance during sudden rent increases.

Our Taituāra a Hāpori note “We know that the more children are moved from house (and school) during their early years, the harder it is for them to find their feet in later life. And we know that there are many other hidden costs in moving that often-set finances back a good couple of years”. This is backed up by research from the world-famous Dunedin Study, showing negative life-course effects from repeated home and school dislocation.

To ‘undo’ this creation of generational poverty the Mission is proud of our Sustaining Tenancy services, where “Wisdom and understanding are needed to build and establish a house.” Proverbs 24:3-4

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