It is important to make your accommodation arrangements in New Zealand before you leave your home country.
ECNZ is available to help you with your accommodation needs and to assist you to settle into whatever type of accommodation best suits your situation. Please contact us with any questions, or for further information and advice.
Homestay
A homestay experience can offer one of two options.
Homestay family, which includes being immersed in your host family’s life meaning you are provided with a room, meals and enjoy the company and communication of the family or homestay host.
Homestay room and board is an option for those who prefer the comfort of a home-based accommodation but does not require inclusion into family environment and often may mean more than 2 students live at house. You will be provided with basic meals.
Shared accommodation
One of the most common arrangements for accommodation is where a number of housemates share a flat or house.
This type of arrangement is advantageous as it is often more affordable and is a great way to make new friends.
Private Rental
Private rental is another accommodation arrangement where in most cases you rent a flat or house for yourself or a few other housemates. It can more expensive than the shared accommodation and in some cases flats or apartments may not be furnished.
We recommend that you research the different suburb profiles prior to signing any contract. It helps to meet the landlord, agent, or manager in charge to discuss terms before you sign any contract or pay fees.
Advice on renting a private apartment or house
If you decide to rent or flat there are some regulations, you need to get familiar with before entering into an agreement with the owner of the apartment (Landlord).
By law, there must be a tenancy agreement in writing, the landlord must provide you with a copy of it, read all the clauses carefully. If you are unsure do not sign the agreement and ask for advice.
If you are living with other people in one flat, one of you will be the leaseholder, this means the person who signs the rental agreement and will be responsible for the flat.
Rent is often paid weekly (not monthly). You may pay for your rent through direct debit (deposit) or automatic payment into the landlord’s bank account, if you pay in cash, you must receive a receipt for your records.
Tenancy Services provide information on market rent here and have a tools to find out market rents different parts of New Zealand here.
You will need to pay a Bond: equivalent to 4 weeks rent, this safeguards the landlord from any damage you may cause, or if you fail to pay rent. All Bonds are held by the Tenancy Services and are refundable when you move from the property (if all is in order). More information is available here.
You need to consider other costs like electricity, gas, internet, telephone (landline) and food.
Tenant’s Rights
It is important that you are aware of your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
Learn more about your key rights by visiting
Tenancy Services for information on the basics of renting, landlords, types of tenancies and tenancy agreements.