The rental market in New Zealand is highly competitive, especially in major cities such as Auckland and Wellington. Rental prices in New Zealand can vary significantly depending on the location and type of property.
Looking for rental property
There is a never-ending high demand for decent, affordable rental properties, so keep in mind to start looking early! If you are looking for a rental property, you can contact landlords directly or through a real estate agent. When granting or assigning a tenancy, these real estate agents will act as agents for landlords. Use the links below to get a general overview of the rental properties in specific areas.
Residential for rent | Trade Me Property
Rental requirements
Certain documents are required to be able to rent in New Zealand, including identification, personality/character trait and source of income. A personal identification document can be a passport, a driver’s license, or any proof of income. Landlords will also require you to provide references from previous landlords, real estate agents you have used, or any individual that is not related to you.
Before you rent a property, a pre-tenancy application form is filled out that includes basic information. This includes your full name, contact details, renting history, and references to help landlords select a tenant more easily.
Tenancy agreements: fixed term agreements vs. periodic agreements
A tenancy agreement is a written contract between a tenant and a landlord. This contract compiles everything that both parties have agreed upon regarding the tenancy. It is a legal requirement that both parties receive a copy of the documentation before the contract begins. Therefore, carefully read all the terms and conditions and other details listed in the agreement before you and the landlord sign it. There are two tenancy agreements: a Fixed-Term agreement and a Periodic agreement.
Fixed-term tenancy agreements
A fixed-term tenancy agreement is generally a short to medium-term stay when renting a property in New Zealand. There is no maximum length for a fixed-term agreement, so include the length of stay in the contract.
Periodic agreements
A Periodic tenancy agreement continues until either tenant or owner of the property gives the notice to end the contract agreement. Therefore, there is no official end date until notice is given. Make sure you read the Residential Tenancy Agreement below to understand better how renting property works in New Zealand.
What should be on your rental contract?
Ensure the following information is written out carefully in the rental contract.
- First name and last name of the tenant and the landlord
- Addresses of the tenant and the landlord
- Phone number and email address of both parties
- The start date and the date the rental contract was signed
- Bond amount, frequency of payments, the bank account name and details, and where the rent is to be paid to
- Any fees
- All the items in the rental property that the landlord provides
- Information about insulation in the rental property, details of location, conditions and what type of all installations must be provided by the landlord
Ending a tenancy agreement
You must inform your landlord or tenant 28 days in advance if you plan to terminate your rental contract. The only exception is if the contract agreement states it is acceptable to end it in a short time. If your contract does not include an ending date, you must notify the landlord beforehand in writing. This includes your name, the address of the tenancy, the official end date, and your signature for identification purposes.
However, if the landlord decides to end the contract, they must give three months of notice in advance and provide the prescribed reasoning listed in the Tenancy Act. They will also have to include the address of the tenancy, the official end date, and their signature for identification purposes.
The link below will give you more detailed information on ending a tenancy contract agreement.
Giving notice to end a tenancy
How much does rent cost in New Zealand?
Depending on where you are based in New Zealand, property size, and what type of facilities there are in a particular area, renting prices fluctuate tremendously. Generally, anything with a sea view will always be 50% more expensive than the base pricing.
According to TradeMe Property, the national median rent was $575 per week in September 2022.
Typical rental costs for a one to a two-bedroom house are NZ $390 weekly and NZ $626 for a two to four-bedroom. A larger home with three to four bedrooms typically costs NZ $600 weekly and can vary up to NZ $850 if the property is bigger.
Feel free to use the calculator provided below to find the potential weekly rent costs for properties in the area you will be planning to stay in.
Furnished/unfurnished rental properties
When landlords rent the property out to tenants, they tend to be unfurnished. The more bedrooms a rental property in New Zealand has, the less likely it will be furnished. One-bedroom properties are the most common furnished rentals, as it makes the move to New Zealand for Visa holders or travellers much smoother. Moreover, they generally do not reside in New Zealand permanently.
Furnished rental properties
It is harder to find furnished rental properties as they are not common in New Zealand. A furnished bedroom will generally cost an average price of NZ $380 per week, whereas a furnished two-bedroom property is NZ $500 per week. On average, a three-bedroom property is NZ $600 per week, whereas a four-bedroom property in NZ $650 per week.
These properties usually include lounge/dining furniture, kitchen appliances, and beds. It is essential to be mindful of the furniture owned by landlords as you will have to pay a fee if damage has been done.
Unfurnished rental properties
As most rental properties in New Zealand are unfurnished, they will still include essential fixtures and fittings on kitchen, bathroom, flooring, curtains or blinds. Costs for an unfurnished rental property are always cheaper than a furnished property.
For one unfurnished bedroom rental property, it costs an average price of NZ $320 and NZ $420 per week for a two-bedroom rental property. A three-bedroom rental accommodation will be approximately NZ $510 and NZ $640 per week for a four-bedroom rental accommodation.
Rental tips
Always contact your landlord in case of problems. Ensure that you understand the landlord’s and tenant’s responsibilities and rights. By viewing the ‘Renting and you’ information guide below, you will know the ethical and unethical ways of doing certain things when renting.
Guide for landlords and tenants
If you need further assistance regarding rental property in New Zealand, the tenancy advisor services owned by the New Zealand Government can answer your enquires. They also provide a phone helpline if you have any issues, such as disputes over a rental agreement.
Best suburbs around New Zealand
When moving to New Zealand, finding a convenient and safe place for you or your family is essential.
Nestled on the northern shore of Auckland is a historic suburb called Devonport. This suburb is perfect for families to live in, as Devonport offers incredible landscapes of the Auckland Harbour, easy access to the CBD, and plenty of restaurants to dine at.
Brooklyn is located on a hill that is great for families in Wellington. Many New Zealanders move here for the natural, green surroundings and the quick bus ride to the CBD. Another great suburb is Mount Cook, located in the residential area of Wellington. It is considered one of Wellington’s safer communities, consisting of quiet streets and local parks.
In Waikato, Hamilton East is nestled on the banks of the Waikato River. This area is and has many affordable community activities at local parks. You can find a two-bedroom rental between NZ $320 – NZ $350 per week.
Sumner is one of the oldest suburbs in Christchurch, Canterbury, with a spectacular seaside view in a magnificent valley. It is one of the oldest settlements where New Zealanders indulge in a safe coastal lifestyle. Generally, an affordable 2-bedroom accommodation will average between NZ $320 to NZ $350 per week.
Last update: 24 March 2023
