The Green Party says those who can no longer live in their rentals following the earthquake shouldn't have to pay rent.

Co-leader James Shaw said building owners should have insurance that would cover loss of income in the event of the earthquake.

He told Mike Hosking he's heard of a number of cases since the quake where people are being charged rent in a certain buildings, but can't live there.

"If you're a building owner and you've got tenants who ca no longer live in your building, you should be examining your conscience, not just the legal situation."

"I think in this situation we're mostly talking about owners of apartment buildings - certainly in Wellington that's the main problem."