On 14 April 2014, MSD assumed responsibility for social housing assessment and income-related rent subsidies.

[5] In February 2021, the Auditor-General investigated a scheme by the Ministry of Social Development where private landlords were paid exorbitant rental rates for emergency housing; some of which was reportedly unfit for human habitation.

[8] In mid-December 2021, the Auditor-General released a report criticising the Ministry for paying more than NZ$37 million in inflated rents between November 2017 and June 2020 to private landlords and property managers to provide emergency housing for homeless people.

[9][10] On 12 May 2024, RNZ reported that the Ministry had received almost 5,000 complaints related to staff's poor handling of clients looking for help and financial assistance.

Canterbury housing advocate Kevin Murray expressed concern about the impact of the new legislation on individuals with mental illness on supported living while Community Law CEO Sue Moroney expressed concern that the new rules would lead to a rise in homelessness.

[13] According to figures released by the Ministry between December 2023 and June 2024, the number of people living in emergency housing had declined from 3,141 to 2,133.

Community Housing Aotearoa deputy chief executive Chris Glaudel expressed concern that the remainder (estimated to be 200 families) could be sleeping in cars, garages or overcrowded homes.