Top Tips for Renting a House in New Zealand

We've asked our favourite Christchurch rental agent, Caroline Register from Holmwood Property Management, about her top tips for Brits renting a house in New Zealand.

01Be specific about what you want from a rental property; there are quite a few old, cold damp rental properties around – not the best start to your new life in New Zealand! We would advise that you try to get a newer property, or at least a redecorated one. You may pay a few extra dollars a week, but it is truly worth it!

02When to start looking for a rental house: there is a lot of movement in rental properties early in the new year, but plenty of demand then too. Start looking about 5 weeks before you need your rental – this will give you plenty of time and most rentals through agencies won’t be listed too much earlier than this.

03Heating: most rentals specify the heating method. You need good heating such as a heat pump, logburner or pellet fire in most parts of New Zealand, including Christchurch, so make sure you specify this when you talk to your agent. Other forms of heating are often expensive, messy and/or ineffective.

04Pets: having a dog can restrict your options as a tenant, but many landlords are willing to negotiate over a cat or two.

05Smoking: we have a no smoking policy inside all our rentals, which is becoming very common, always pays to be up front with your prospective landlord.

06The Role of a Rental Agent: the role of a rental agent is to show prospective tenants through properties they wish to view. Each agent can only access properties that are listed through their agency, so they will not be able to show you through properties that have been listed by another agency or properties where the owner is managing the listing without an agency.

07 Fees and Deposits: when renting through an Agency a tenant usually pays:

1. A letting fee of one weeks rent plus GST, if through an agency registered with REINZ,
2. 3-4 weeks of bond, which is held with governmental agency Building & Housing New Zealand, and,
3. 1-2 weeks rent in advance.

08The advantage of renting through an agency that is registered with REINZ: agencies that are registered with REINZ, the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand have committed to following rules, codes of ethics and codes of practice. Using a REINZ-registered agent ensures that you have access to the right advice as a tenant, as well as excellent local knowledge, help with negotiation and dispute resolution.

09Flexibility of Rental Agreements: a fixed term rental is for a fixed period and cannot be terminated by giving notice, so it pays to be very definite about what term you are looking for, whether it is 6 months, 12 months or something else. If you move out early you may be responsible for paying the rent until a new tenant can be found. You may also be responsible for costs associated with finding the new tenant.

With a periodic rental you can give 21 days written notice at any time, which gives you a lot more flexibility. The down-side of this is that the owner/agency can give you 42 days notice if the owner requires the property for their use or their family’s use, or 90 days notice in all other cases.

10Sorting Out Problems: most landlords are very reasonable when it comes to working through issues. If required, mediation via Tenancy Services can assist in mediating between the two parties. If no decision can be reached the next step to sorting out issues is via the Tenancy Tribunal.

11References, Paperwork and Credit Checks: as a new migrant, you will obviously not have a credit rating in New Zealand. Instead, a rental agent will probably need to look at the following supporting paperwork:

1. Reference from your new employer in NZ (if possible – a letter of employment to show that you are employed will be fine otherwise)
2. References from past employers
3. A UK credit reference
4. References from UK landlords or letting agencies (if you have been renting in the UK)
5. Proof of ownership of property if you own (or owned) your home in the UK
6. Copy of passport
7. Proof of former address in UK, e.g. utilities invoice

Check our article on Renting a House in New Zealand for more information, including how to find a rental property and how much average rents are.

At Broadbase International we specialise in helping British migrants make a confident start to their new lives. Please contact us if you have any questions about the financial side of life in New Zealand, and don't forget to order your free copy of our comprehensive New Zealand Guide.