Homeless Tenant Help — What to Do When You Have Nowhere Safe to Stay

If you suddenly have nowhere safe to stay — whether because of eviction, unsafe conditions, violence, or a crisis — you are not alone. There are steps you can take right now, and support available to help you stay safe while you work on finding stable housing.

This guide explains what “homeless” means in Aotearoa, what immediate help is available, how to access emergency accommodation, and what to do if you’re turned away.

What “Homeless” Means in New Zealand

You are considered homeless if you:

• have nowhere safe to stay
• are sleeping in your car
• are staying in a garage, shed, or unsafe structure
• are couch‑surfing because you have no other option
• have been evicted or locked out
• cannot stay with friends or whānau safely

You do not need to be sleeping rough to qualify for help.

What to Do Right Now

If you have nowhere safe to stay tonight, take these steps immediately:

1. Contact Work and Income (WINZ)

Tell them you have nowhere safe to stay and need Emergency Housing. Use clear, direct language:

“I have nowhere safe to stay tonight. I need Emergency Housing.”

WINZ must assess you the same day.

2. Keep yourself safe

If you are unsafe due to violence, threats, or dangerous conditions, call the police. You can still apply for Emergency Housing afterwards.

3. Document what happened

If possible, keep:

• texts or emails from your landlord
• photos of unsafe conditions
• any eviction notice
• anything showing why you can’t stay where you were

This helps if WINZ asks for evidence.

Emergency Housing — How It Works

Emergency Housing is short‑term accommodation paid for by WINZ when:

• you have nowhere safe to stay
• you cannot find suitable housing yourself
• you need immediate help while looking for longer‑term housing

It is usually a motel or similar temporary accommodation.

What WINZ looks at

WINZ will consider:

• your safety
• your income
• your ability to find housing
• whether you have other safe options

If you have children, you are prioritised.

What to expect

• You may be placed in a motel, often for 7–28 days at a time
• You may be moved between motels
• You may need to check in regularly with WINZ
• You may be asked to keep looking for long‑term housing

You do not need to have a job, savings, or a rental lined up to qualify.

If You’re Sleeping in Your Car

Sleeping in your car is considered homelessness in New Zealand.

WINZ should treat this as urgent.

Tell them:

“I am sleeping in my car. I need Emergency Housing.”

If they try to delay your appointment, ask for a same‑day urgent assessment.

If You’ve Been Evicted or Locked Out

If your landlord has:

• evicted you without proper notice
• changed the locks
• refused to let you back in
• made the home unlivable

…you may also have a case for compensation or urgent Tribunal action.

See: Ending a Tenancy Tenancy Tribunal Hearings Landlord Not Responding

Your Rights When You’re Homeless

Even if you have nowhere to stay, you still have rights:

• WINZ must assess you fairly
• You cannot be refused help because of past debt
• You cannot be refused because you left an unsafe home
• You cannot be refused because you don’t have children
• You have the right to complain if you’re treated unfairly

If you feel judged, dismissed, or pressured, ask to speak to a supervisor.

If WINZ Turns You Away

This happens more often than it should — but you still have options.

1. Ask for the decision in writing

WINZ must give you a written decision if they decline you.

2. Ask for a Review of Decision

You can challenge the decision. WINZ must reconsider it.

3. Contact a tenant advocate

A tenant advocate can help you:

• challenge unfair decisions
• gather evidence
• communicate with WINZ
• understand your rights

Where to Get Support

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Support is available from:

• WINZ Tenant Support
• Emergency Housing
• Homeless Tenant Help (this page)
• Community Law
• Tenancy Tribunal
• Local housing support services

If you’re in immediate danger, call the police.

Key Takeaways

• You are not alone, and help is available
• Homelessness includes sleeping in a car or unsafe home
• WINZ must assess you urgently
• You can get Emergency Housing even if you have no income
• You can challenge unfair decisions
• Support services exist to help you through this