Ask any New Zealander who has spent their twenties or thirties renting a home, and they will all say the same thing. Property managers are no better than private landlords. On the one hand, property managers know the laws about renting and are unlikely to show up at your house unannounced (which is illegal). On the other hand, their priorities usually belong to property owners, not tenants. Renting from private landlords can sometimes be a better experience. Many private landlords are not as aggressive in raising rents each year, are more likely to accept pets, and are more inclined to work with good tenants to keep them happy and ensure a longer stay.
Be prepared to spend at least 30% of your income on rent
Rents in New Zealand are usually quite high. Wellington has one of the highest rents in the country due to a rental shortage. The average rent is $527 per week.
The most expensive cities to rent are Wellington and Auckland. However, the pandemic has left Auckland’s city center sparsely populated due to fewer international students. It is now easier to find an affordable apartment in Auckland than in Wellington.
Christchurch has one of the most stable and affordable rental markets in New Zealand. The rebuilding after the earthquake has led to the emergence of new townhouses and apartments throughout the city.
If you are planning to move to a small city, you may find it difficult to find rental accommodation. If you are planning to move to New Zealand for the long term, it can be helpful to have a plan on how to climb the real estate ladder. Renting in New Zealand provides less security for tenants than in other countries, and the average lease term is only two years.
You will need to pay a deposit before you rent a property
When you find the perfect rental, you will need to pay a deposit before you can rent the property. A security deposit is the only payment a landlord or property manager can charge you to secure a property. Your landlord or property manager will make the payment to the rental service. Your security deposit is returned to you after you pass the final inspection at the end of your tenancy.