OCHT was established by Christchurch City Council (Council) in 2016 to take over the day-to-day management of its social housing portfolio of approximately 2,300 social housing units. Council retains full ownership of the housing stock and retains responsibility for long-term asset management while OCHT is responsible for tenancy management, rent-setting and the day-to-day maintenance of the units.
OCHT’s lease agreement with Council also provides an annual payment into an asset fund for long-term house improvements that is kept separate from other Council activities. OCHT is a registered community housing provider (CHP) and a Class 1: Social Landlord committed to delivering high quality services and continuously-improving tenant outcomes. As a charitable trust, any surplus money will be reinvested back into social housing, to improve the service provided to tenants and the wider community.