Renting in New Zealand
Many people choose to rent their first home in New Zealand before buying a property. Doing this gives you a chance to familiarise yourself with a location, town or city before committing to a house purchase, which can seem a daunting prospect on arrival in a new country.
Because New Zealand home ownership is so high, rental housing stock can be less than in other Western countries. As a result, demand for good rental property is high. It pays to allow some time to find a suitable rental property and when you do find it be prepared to act fast.
What are rental properties like?
Rentals can be furnished or unfurnished, although most will have the usual chattels: curtains, carpet, oven, washing machine, fridge and freezer. However, the landlord is not obligated to provide any of these and usually does not provide heating.
What’s the best way of finding a property to rent?
To find a place, look in the local newspaper, on newspaper websites, or on TradeMe. Most real estate agents also handle rental properties, so it pays to contact one in the area you are looking.
How much does renting a house cost?
As in any country, prices will vary depending on:
- Location
- Furnishings
- Facilities
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
The following are an estimate of weekly rental costs for a 3-bedroom house:
- Central Auckland $300 – $530
- Hamilton $200 – $350
- Wellington $300 – $500
- Christchurch $250 – $450
- Dunedin $200 – $350
Tenancy agreements
Once you’ve found a house to rent, the landlord will provide you with a tenancy agreement that both of you sign. This outlines all the conditions of your lease and you and your landlord keep a copy each.
Regardless of what your agreement says, the law states that tenants are entitled to either 42 or 90 days notice (depending on circumstances).
Bond
You will also be required to pay a bond on the rental property – usually the equivalent of two to four weeks’ rent. The landlord will provide a bond lodgement form that you both complete and sign.
The form and payment will then be lodged with the Tenancy Services Centre, by the landlord, within 23 working days, after which you’ll receive a receipt.
The bond is refunded when you leave the rental property providing all your rent payments have been met and there is no damage to the property. To action this you and your landlord will complete a bond refund form that is sent to Tenancy Services.
Other useful rental tips
Throughout the duration of your rental of a property, the landlord is likely to conduct regular inspections and is responsible for repairs. If a repair is an urgent matter and you are unable to contact the landlord, you can arrange for the repairs to be done and the landlord must then refund the cost.
When you’re renting, contents insurance is a must as it covers not only your household possessions but also any accidental damage to the rental property.
For more information regarding tenant’s rights, bonds, tenancy agreements and repairs see www.tenancy.govt.nz
