Wayne Kearns has been on the Ministry of Social Development’s transfer register since November 2021.
However, Kainga Ora said Mr Kearns was a "challenging customer" and it was difficult to find accommodation suitable for him because of a "history of disruptive behaviour".
Mr Kearns moved to Dunedin after his Christchurch house of 25 years was demolished in the February 2011 earthquake.
At the time, he asked to be housed in Dunedin to live closer to his dying mother.
After she died, he no longer had any family members or friends in Dunedin and wanted to return to Christchurch.
He said his Kāinga Ora case workers had been a "nightmare" to deal with and he was sent back and forth between the social housing organisation and Work and Income for about five years.
He was always told there were no houses available in Christchurch.
"They reckon no houses, but I’ve been asking for about five years and I know six or seven people that have been relocated to Christchurch.
"They’re just giving me the runaround."
Mr Kearns said he was once told if he really wanted to move to Christchurch he should just go live on someone’s couch or in his car.
He said he could not afford to move to Christchurch on his own.
Mr Kearns has been diagnosed with bowel cancer and a WellSouth health improvement officer also recommended he moved back to Christchurch for his mental health.
"Things are getting worse, they’re not getting better.
"I just want to go [to Christchurch] for my wellbeing."
He did not have any sort of support in Dunedin and wanted to be around his friends and family in Christchurch.
"I’m sitting in a house I don’t want. Give it to someone who needs it and give me one in Christchurch.
"I feel like a victim in my own house."
Kāinga Ora Otago Southland and South Canterbury regional director Kerrie Young said the organisation needed to consider neighbours’ safety when relocating a tennant like Mr Kearns.
"Mr Kearns’ history of disruptive behaviour is complicating the process of finding him a Christchurch home."
To date, no suitable property had become available as there was significant demand for one-bedroom homes in Christchurch, Ms Young said.
In September 2024, there were 1110 applicants on the housing register waiting for a one-bedroom home in the city.
She said Mr Kearns was initially low priority for a transfer to Christchurch, but his rating increased last year.
"We understand the importance of customers having good support networks and we always try to find homes that suit their needs."
Ms Young said Kāinga Ora frontline staff did their best to support and connect Mr Kearns with their support services, but he was reluctant to accept offers of assistance.
Mr Kearns said the organisation was "passing the buck" with its reasoning.
"You ask any of these neighbours here, I haven’t done nothing. I get on good with anybody."
He said his "disruptive behaviour" was a result of frustration over the organisation’s inaction.
"They haven’t done nothing for years, I’ve been on the case for five years.
"They’re just making things very difficult."
