We start our new Q&A for room travellers.
3 Likes
I need to find a room to rent in New Zealand. What do I need to do to get it?
3 Likes
We would suggest the following:
Step 1. Define your location and room needs requirement?
- When do you need the room by?
- What location are going to move too?
- Do you need access to public transport? or do you need off street parking?
- Should the room be furnished or unfurnished?
- What can you afford to pay in bond, rent, food, power, heating, internet, water?
- What size of room do you want? Single, double or larger. Do you need extra room for a desk ?
- If renting a room in a flat with other flat mates, what do you want from your flat mates, parties or quiet (for studying)
- Do you want to be in a flat with working professionals or students?
- What room/flat rules are you able to meet? What would annoy you?
- Consider what options if you need to leave early? Can you find a replacement?
3 Likes
I hear there are some rental scams to be alert to. What scams should I need to be aware of?
3 Likes
That is a very important question. So to protect our community we will populate this thread with various scams, as we learn more from our community.
From NZ Police:
Rental scammers targeting Chinese people seeking New Zealand accommodation | New Zealand Police.
3 Likes
I am a beginner, looking for a room. Can you help with some of the real estate terminology used? I am finding it rather confusing and a bit overwhelming?
2 Likes
First I think it would be a good idea to define what a flatmate is according to tenancy.govt.nz. (This is the New Zealand Government department that handles all tenancy matters. Link is below)
3 Likes
Here is a flat sharing agreement. 1. You can study the wording or 2. use as your agreement with additions and alterations to fit within the context of renting your new room.
Word is also available at the bottom of the link
https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/starting-a-tenancy/flatting/
2 Likes
This is an important point, which I have had many disagreements with over some of my tenants and their flatmates in our properties. Flatmates pay their rent to the person who is the tenant on the tenancy agreement with the property owner. I have had tenants vacate (with out giving notice) our properties in Palmerston North leaving bewildering flatmates in a right mess.
2 Likes
I have heard that the NZ tenancy tribunal won’t help to resolve any tenant - flatmate disputes. Is that correct?
2 Likes
You can go to the disputes tribunal and apply for a hearing on your rental dispute.
3 Likes
Here is a useful site I found as I was looking a room for our nephew in Nelson it can be in any town and city :
3 Likes
Thanks. @ABarnes. Great link for the community to use.
2 Likes
I advertise my rooms on roomies.co.nz and nzflatmates.co.nz. Both great sites for advertising and looking. However, as with anything online be careful to check that the person or the room is real, genuine and above-board. I have come across some “potential flatmates” who are not who they say.
3 Likes
Hi @Melinda. Thanks for sharing and the online tip. You are helping our real estate community become smarter and safer. 
2 Likes
Here is two links to help owners and roommates:
2 Likes