Examples of notice periods for housing provider to increase the rent

A housing provider must always issue notice to clients when they are increasing the rent.

Below are examples of how these notice periods work.

Note these examples assume that the housing provider will send written notice to change the rent by post within 2 days of receiving notification from MSD, however this may not always be the case. These examples also assume that the service period is four working days.

Anna starts her new part-time job and notifies MSD of the change on 26 June 2023.

Her Income Related Rent is not reassessed until the end of the next consecutive 8-weekly anniversary of the tenancy start that occurs after she has maintained the employment for at least 8 weeks.

The next consecutive 8-weekly anniversary of her tenancy start date is 11 September 2023. This is the date at which her change in circumstances is determined to be permanent.

MSD activate and notify the housing provider of a new rate of Income Related Rent.

Anna is paying rent to Kāinga Ora weekly on a Wednesday (rent charge date).

In this situation, the new rent takes effect from the next rent period after the 61-day period. This is because the service period and the 14-day notice period required to be given by the housing provider to increase a rent is within the 61-day period.

Debbie starts a part-time job on 26 June 2023. On the 17 July 2023 Debbie informs MSD that she started work.

MSD activate and notify the housing provider of a new rate of Income Related Rent once the change in circumstances has been determined to permanent (ie at the next 8-weekly anniversary of the tenancy start after she has maintained the employment for at least 8 weeks).

Debbie is paying rent to a community housing provider weekly on a Tuesday (rent charge date).

In this situation, the new rent takes effect from the next rent period after the 61 day period. This is because the 14 day notice period required to be given by the housing provider to increase a rent is within the 61 day period.

Debbie is reminded of her obligation to advise of changes in her circumstances within 14 days of the change.

On 1 November 2023 MSD data match with Inland Revenue picks up that Bryan started work a part-time job on 12 July 2023.

MSD activate and notify the housing provider of a new rate of Income Related Rent at the next 8-weekly anniversary of the tenancy start after 1 November 2023.

Bryan is paying rent to a community housing provider weekly on a Thursday (his rent charge date).

In this situation, the new rent takes effect from the next rent period after the 14 day notice period and service period. This is because the 14 day notice period required to be given by the housing provider to increase a rent, is outside of the 61 day period.

A debt may be established by MSD for the period that Bryan should have had a higher rate of Income Related Rent calculated.

Margaret started working increased hours from 12 May 2023. On 15 June 2023, Margaret phones MSD with her new income details. MSD activate and notify the housing provider of a new rate of Income Related Rent.

Margaret is paying a rent to Kāinga Ora fortnightly on a Thursday (rent charge date).

In this situation, the new rent takes effect from the next rent period after the 14-day notice period. This is because the 14-day notice period required to be given by the housing provider to increase a rent, is outside of the 61-day period.

A debt may be established by MSD for the period Margaret should have had a higher rate of Income Related Rent calculated.