Finding a place to live, or people to live with
Shared private rental accommodation, otherwise known as flatting, is a popular option for many students. It means joining a group of people (“flatmates”) in a house and sharing rent and other living costs. Some flats are furnished; others are not.
Self-contained apartments or studio rooms (which often share some communal facilities) are options for students who prefer not to live with flatmates. Studio rooms are more likely to be furnished and to include utility costs as part of the rent.
Popular places to look for a flat, a room to rent, or to find flatmates include:
You can also look for property management agencies in the area where you want to live.
It's important when choosing flatmates to make sure you have similar expectations around budgeting, electricity usage, location and domestic duties like cooking and cleaning.
The Otago University Students' Association (OUSA) Student Support Hub has advice for things to consider when choosing who to live with and where you will live.
Flatting: Setting up – OUSA Student Support Hub
Signing a tenancy agreement
A tenancy is a legal contract, so it is important to understand very clearly what you are signing.
The New Zealand Government's Tenancy Services website is an excellent resource for helping you understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. It has information on a wide range of topics, including:
- Your rights and liabilities under different types of tenancy agreements
- Bond payments
- Market rent information
- Changing or ending a tenancy
- How to handle disputes
Locals
If you're planning on flatting, boarding, renting or living at home in your first year at Otago, the Locals Collegiate Community is here to welcome and support you.
Meet Locals
Costs and budgeting
In addition to your weekly or fortnightly rent, you may need to consider other accommodation costs:
- Bond
- Most tenancy agreements will require you to pay a bond before you move in. This is typically 2–4 weeks' rent. It will be paid back to you at the end of your tenancy, unless you have breached the tenancy agreement (e.g. by not paying rent or causing damage to the property). Your landlord must lodge the bond with Tenancy Services (a government agency), who will hold it in trust until the end of your tenancy.
- Utilities
- Flat rent often doesn't include electricity and internet connection, in which case you will need to arrange and pay for these separately.
- Insurance
- It is strongly recommended to have renter's insurance to cover your belongings, and to protect you from liability (eg. for damage to the property).
Sorted is a trusted source of free, impartial and independent financial information and resources for New Zealanders. Sorted has the tools and information you need to tackle all aspects of personal money management, including dedicated advice for flatting:
Support and advice
If you have problems or questions about rental accommodation or flatting, here are some excellent services to ask for help and advice:
The Otago University Students' Association's Student Support team can help you with any questions or problems you have about flatting or tenancy, including:
- Advice for choosing flatmates and finding a place to live
- Your legal rights and responsibilities as a tenant
- Budgeting and money management
- Dealing with problems and disputes with your flatmates or landlord
The Student Accommodation Centre staff are here to help with any questions relating to accommodation. They're familiar with issues faced by students when renting, and can offer advice and connect you to relevant services.
Tenancy Services is a Government agency that provides information about all aspects of tenancy law in New Zealand. Their website has lots of information and advice for tenants, and you can also contact them with questions.
Community Law Centres are independent charities that offer free legal advice and representation to people who can't otherwise easily afford it. They can help if you find yourself in a legal dispute with your flatmates or your landlord.
Safety, support, community
Learn about support and services available to you at Otago, wherever you choose to live.
Services and communities