RSE Accommodation New Pricing Framework
From April 2026, the way accommodation costs are set and charged for Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers will change. The Government has confirmed a new pricing framework designed to bring greater fairness, clarity, and long-term consistency to RSE accommodation costs.
These changes come after extensive consultation with Pacific representatives, industry stakeholders, and government agencies, and are part of wider efforts to strengthen and future-proof the RSE scheme.
Under the new system, weekly accommodation rent caps will be introduced. These caps will range between NZD $150 and $211 per week, depending on the quality and features of the accommodation provided.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all figure, the framework links allowable rent to accommodation standards. This means employers who provide higher-quality housing will be able to charge more while ensuring costs remain reasonable and affordable for workers.
What determines the rent cap?
Accommodation will be assessed against clear and transparent criteria, including:
How many people are sharing a bedroom and type/size of bed
The age and condition of the building
Bathroom size, access, and proximity to bedrooms
Provided services such as cleaning, laundry and internet access
Healthy homes certification
These characteristics will determine where the accommodation sits within the allowable rent range.
Importantly, employers will only be able to recover the actual cost of providing accommodation, and all charges must be reasonable.
Employment law obligations still apply
While the new framework introduces rent caps, it does not replace existing legal responsibilities. Employers must continue to comply with:
The Minimum Wage Act
The Wages Protection Act
Employers remain responsible for ensuring any accommodation deductions are lawful and do not reduce pay below minimum wage requirements.
Encouraging better accommodation outcomes
One of the key aims of the new approach is to incentivise investment in higher-quality accommodation. By allowing higher rent caps for better standards, the framework recognises the real cost of providing quality housing while maintaining strong protections for workers.
Accommodation quality will be assessed using consistent criteria, providing more predictability for employers and greater transparency for workers.
What happens next?
The new framework will apply to Agreement to Recruit (ATR) applications lodged from April 2026.
Rent caps will be updated annually to keep pace with inflation.
Accommodation quality standards will be reviewed further as part of the broader RSE policy review scheduled for 2026.
What happens next?
The new framework will apply to Agreement to Recruit (ATR) applications lodged from April 2026.
Rent caps will be updated annually to keep pace with inflation.
Accommodation quality standards will be reviewed further as part of the broader RSE policy review scheduled for 2026.
Getting ready for April 2026
Employers who provide RSE accommodation should start reviewing:
Current accommodation standards and costs
Whether accommodation aligns with higher quality categories
Record-keeping around actual accommodation costs
Early planning will help ensure a smooth transition once the new rules come into effect.
Further guidance is available on MBIE’s Providing accommodation for RSE workers :: Immigration New Zealand page.
