Finding a flat
If you want to learn about being independent, renting a place ('flatting') on your own or with others ('flatmates') is a sure way to learn! Get tips on how to find a flat and what to look for when finding a flat to rent.
Flat hunting (finding a flat)
Kiwis call rented homes ‘flats’. They can be any kind of property, from a city apartment to a large house and garden. You can rent a house or apartment on your own or join an existing flat as a flatmate. Find out more about flatting.
Your campus is a good place to start looking for a flat (Kiwis call this 'flat hunting'). Most education campuses have an accommodation office or someone who can give you good advice. Also, check noticeboards and local newspapers. Useful places to look for a flat online are:
- Trade Me(external link that opens in a new tab): This is where most Kiwis go when they're looking for a place to rent on their own or to find flatmates.
- Facebook(external link that opens in a new tab): Facebook groups can be a good way to find flatmates.
- AirBnB(external link that opens in a new tab): This is a good choice if you need to find a place to stay quickly, and for a short period of time.
Make sure you understand what your budget is before you start looking for a flat. When you're deciding if you will rent a place, make sure you understand what rent and expenses (sometimes called 'bills', which may include electricity, food, and in some places water) will cost.
Check out the cost of living in New Zealand for information about how much rent, living, and food costs, and advice on how to manage your money.
Tip: In bigger cities like Auckland and Wellington a lot of people apply for the same flat so you need to be fast! Don't forget to leave your name, email and phone number so you are easy to contact.
What to look for in a flat
Choosing a warm and dry place to live will keep you healthy and save you money. When you’re looking for a rented home:
If possible, choose a north facing property to ensure it will get lots of sun. It is a good idea to visit the flat during the day
Ask if it’s insulated (from 1 July 2019 all rented properties in New Zealand must have ceiling and underfloor insulation)
Check if it smells damp, musty or mouldy – a damp home will be harder to heat and you may get sick living there.
Check if it has good ventilation, such as windows you can open and extractor fans in the bathroom and kitchen.
Check if it has a good source of heating, such as heat pumps, log or pellet burners or gas heating. You might need to buy your own heater for extra warmth in winter.
Check if there is a place to dry laundry outside (Kiwis call this a 'clothes line') or if the flat has a dryer.
Know your rights
Find out about your rights and responsibilities when flatting and get suggestions about what to do if you have problems with your landlord or flatmates.
Tip: You don't have to stay in a home that could be making you sick. If you're living in a flat and you're always sick, there might be something wrong with the place you're living in. Talk to the landlord about what options are available and consider finding a new place to live if you're not happy where you are.
Accommodation
What are your housing options in New Zealand? Find out what kind of housing is available and your rights as a tenant when living in New Zealand.
Accommodation types
Choosing a place to live is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when you start studying in New Zealand. Here’s what you need to know about the different housing options available for international students.
Know your flatting rights
Renting a flat or a room in a flat while you're studying in New Zealand can be a great experience, if you know your rights and responsibilities. When renting a property, you need to have a good understanding of tenants’ rights (or renters' rights). Find out what to do if there is a problem when renting in New Zealand.