Tenants of state houses in the Christchurch suburb of Avonside affected by the earthquake are likely to get a visit from their landlord on Thursday.
Housing New Zealand is continuing to charge rent for all but 29 of its 6000 houses in Canterbury, including Avonside where sewerage has been cut since 4 September and the water supply is patchy.
Karron Gosney, who lives in Acland Avenue, has stopped paying rent because of problems from earthquake at her address.
But Housing New Zealand says withholding rent payments is not the answer.
It says rent is still being charged to those for whom alternatives like portaloos exist, but such tenancies are being reviewed on a case by case basis.
The housing agency says it's happy to discuss all options with tenants.
