There are a lot of flats out there, so don’t sign up to the first dark hovel you view. Try not to get sucked into feeling the pressure to sign up, take your time, shop around and find the flat that’s right for you. Remember it is not unusual for a property manager to strongly encourage you to sign as quickly as possible. To be clear you are a potential customer, and they are selling you something.
You might still want to sign up early, just keep in mind the other people you are signing up with. While living with your mates from first year might seem like a great idea now, relationships can change. Changing a flat mate after they sign onto joint fixed-term contract is difficult. You might learn that one of your flat mates can’t budget and never has their share of the rent, and then what are you going to do? Have a read through the advice in this magazine about living with others harmoniously!
Key quality indicators:
- Is it warm? If not, then why not?
- Are the windows double glazed?
- Is it dry?
- Is there mould anywhere?
- What is the water pressure like?
- Is it noisy?
- Are the rooms all the same layout/size? Would you adjust the amount of rent paid based on this?
- Is there enough storage space?
- Is there nearby parking if you have car?
Note: If you are currently residing in a flat, some landlords may ask you to decide to sign on for the following year or start advertising early. However, the Residential Tenancies Act currently reads that tenants have until 28 days before the end of the fixed-term to confirm their intentions for the following year.
Please keep in mind that some of the legislation in this area could change and may have by the time you are reading this information. Visit tenancy.govt.nz for up to date information.