Guidelines for Q'town tenants needing to change accommodation

Crux has received a number of enquiries from Queenstown residents about how and when they can change accommodation - in particular moving from one rented house to another. We have received the following response from the SDHB CEO, Chris Fleming.

"We understand that there will be a lot of people in different circumstances who feel concerned about their rental accommodation and financial situation as a result of COVID-19.

Queenstown, as you have identified, is likely a community where these concerns are even more heightened.

SDHB CEO Chris Fleming

The Government has obviously put the Alert levels in place because of health reasons, but the rules around movement are not something Southern DHB oversees or enforces.  Rather, we would encourage people to follow the Government’s rules, and from a health perspective to continue taking Level 4 precautions about physical distancing, hand-washing, cough and sneeze etiquette, maintaining their bubble etc.

Restrictions around moving house during Alert Level 4 can be found on the COVID-19 website, on this page https://covid19.govt.nz/individuals-and-households/home/renters-and-homeowners/  

These guidelines show that people may only move house under extreme circumstances and great care must be taken not to violate Alert Level 4 rules.

We are concerned about the plight of non resident workers remaining in the area and have raised these concerns with the National Health Coordination Centre as an integrated solution for these people is becoming urgent.

For detailed advice and guidance around rental accommodation during COVID-19  you may wish to contact the Tenancy Tribunal."