Renting a house – Rental Accommodation Guide

Many from overseas are choosing to migrate to New Zeland to really experience what this scenic country has to offer. If you are seriously considering the move, then renting a house for the short or long term becomes a consideration. The best way to look for rental property is to look at it yourself.

How?

1. Newspaper classifieds - In Auckland, the NZ Herald has advertisements for houses/flats to let. This is available everyday (except Sunday). and you will find more on Saturdays and Wednesdays.
2. Real Estate agents - Yes they do handle rental property as well. They advertise in the Herald. You will know who they are as all adverts are tagged with MREINZ at the end. They do not usually handle cheap units unless this is a special client of theirs.
3. Rental agents - These people collect a fee from you in exchange for a list of properties available for rent. There are a few of them in Auckland.

If you want to rent a house or apartment in New Zealand, make sure you get a copy of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. Copies of standard agreements are available from Tenancy Services, a division of the Ministry of Housing.

FYI, basic conditions are:

• No more than 2 weeks rent to be paid in advance
• increases in rent require 60 days notice
• rent receipts must be given, except when paid by automatic bank transfer, not negotiable cheque, or an exclusive rent account.

Bond can be consist of up to, but no more than 4 weeks rent. Bond money MUST be deposited with the Bond processing unit of Tenancy Services within 15 working days. It’s not compulsory for landlords to require a bond.

Landlords must:

• Keep the premises in reasonable condition.
• Allow the tenant quiet enjoyment of the premises.
• Comply with all building, health and safety stds, as they apply to the premises. Pay rates, insurance and land tax.

Tenants must:

• Pay the rent.
• Keep the premises clean, tidy, etc, and notify the Landlord of repairs needed.
• Pay electricity, gas, telephone and excess water bills.
• Not damage or permit damage to premises.
• Give notice to leave. (note: this doesn’t apply to fixed term tenancies)

The landlord must give 90 days notice unless:

• the premises are to be sold with vacant possesion
• the premises are to be occupied by the landlord, or a member of the ll’s family.
• If as provided in the agreement, the premises are required by an employee of the landlord.

In these cases, only 42 days notice need be given.

The tenant must give 21 days notice.
All notices to leave are to be in writing.

The landlord can apply to the tenancy tribunal for termination of tenancy if:

• the rent is more than 21 days in arrears.
• there has been damage or threats of damage to the premises
• there has been an assault, or threat of assault on the landlord, etc

Disputes can be dealt with by a Tenancy Tribunal mediator. (Landlords hate the Tenancy Act and hate dealing with the Tribunal)