Renting

Renting a property

When moving to New Zealand, most people start by renting a property on a short-term basis. This gives you time to find out more about the area and be sure it’s the right place before committing to a long term tenancy or buying a property.

Renting a property is generally easy to do, and most are advertised on the internet or in the local paper. However, because most people own their own homes, the stock of rental property is less extensive than in other countries. Demand can be high for good quality properties, so it may take some time to find what you want. And when you do find it, you will usually have to make a quick decision.

Although you can arrange a rental before you arrive, it’s advisable to wait until you’re here so you can visit the property first. Two things you’ll want to check when viewing a rental property are:

Proximity to transport, schools and the general feel of the neighbourhood
The condition and aspect of the property. Look for a north-facing property to maximise sunshine and warmth. Properties that don’t get direct sun in the winter may have problems with dampness.

While looking for a place to rent, short term accommodation is available in hotels or in self-catering motels that have a small kitchen and simple furnishings.

Here are other important points about renting in New Zealand:

Individual landlords
Generally, rental properties in New Zealand are owned by individuals, even within an apartment block or complex. That means properties for rent are listed individually by the owner or a real estate agent on their behalf. Rather than contacting a building manager to view or rent a property or apartment, you must contact the individual owner or their agent.
Letting agents
Many real estate companies have a letting service as well as handling sales of properties. A real estate agent will often have a selection of properties in the area where you’re looking, so it’s a good idea to contact the real estate agents in your preferred area as a starting point.
Newspapers and websites
Local newspapers and websites (see below) carry listings of rental properties available through individual landlords or real estate agents. See the To Let section of a newspaper. You can also pay for an advertisement in the newspaper’s Wanted To Rent section. The most popular website is www.trademe.co.nz/property.
Viewing a property
Once you’ve found a property advertised, you simply contact the advertiser (the landlord or agent) and arrange a time to meet and go through the property. If the property currently has tenants, the advertiser will need to arrange the viewing time to suit the tenants.
Apartments, houses, townhouses and flats
Along with the apartment and house listings for rental, you’ll come across listings for ‘flats’. These tend to be small properties, similar to an apartment, that may be attached to a house or in a small block of dwellings rather than in a high-rise building. A townhouse may be attached to another townhouse or may be part of a group of similar styled properties, and will usually have a smaller garden than a house.
Your own furniture
Most rental properties are unfurnished. A cooking appliance will be supplied, along with any floor coverings, light fittings and curtains. But you’ll usually need to provide your own appliances and whiteware (fridge, dishwasher, washer, dryer) and a heater.
Rents and bonds
Rent is usually quoted on a weekly basis, but is often paid every two weeks in advance. When you agree to rent a property you’ll usually need to pay:
- A fee to the letting agent if you’ve used one. Usually one weeks' rent.
- A bond (or security deposit), which must be lodged by the landlord with Department of Building and Housing. It is returned to you at the end of your tenancy, provided the rent is fully paid and no damage has been done to the property. Usually 4 weeks' rent.
- Rent in advance. Usually 2 weeks' rent.
Electricity, gas and phone
You usually pay for your own electricity, gas and telephone charges, and will need to set up your own accounts and connections for these. You may need a credit reference before setting up an account, so bring any references you can with you.
Water Supply
Drinkable water is supplied to all urban and suburban areas in New Zealand, by the local council or an associated authority. Charges for this are usually billed to the landlord as part of the annual rates. In regions where water use is monitored and measured (e.g. Auckland) this charge may be passed on to the tenant, but in other areas (e.g. Wellington) where water use is not monitored a general charge is made to all property owners, which won’t be shown in the rent.
Types of tenancies
There are two common types of rental contracts:
- Periodic tenancy - Here the tenancy is for no fixed time and continues until the landlord or tenant ends it by giving notice. You’ll usually need to give three weeks notice, while the landlord will have to give you at least six weeks notice. A periodic tenancy is probably the best option to start with as it allows you to keep your options open and move without too much delay.
- Fixed-term tenancy - These finish on a set date and neither the tenant nor the landlord can end the tenancy before that date. This option can work well if you are certain you’ll stay in the same place for a set period and may be a good second step as you settle in New Zealand and if you don’t intend to buy.
Rights and responsibilities
There are clear rules for tenants and landlords when renting a property, designed for the protection of both parties. The Department of Building and Housing administers these rules and provides information and assistance through Tenancy Services.
Insurance
You’ll need to make your own arrangements for contents insurance for your household possessions and accidental damage to the property. The landlord is responsible for the building insurance.