Nelson Tasman Settlement Support
A Partnership between Department of Labour and Nelson City Council
Finding a place to live
People either rent a flat or house or buy a house to live in. Most new migrants rent when they arrive. This gives time to save money and decide where you want to live, the size of home needed, and budget, as well as school and transport needs.
Renting information and average charges
New Zealand Government expects a continued demand for rental homes due to the increase in the region’s population and the significant rise in property values in recent years.
Rental charges are advertised on a per weekly basis, but they can often be negotiated to be paid fortnightly or even monthly – ask your landlord for options. Department of Building and Housing statistics state the 2007 rental for a three bedroom house in the city was just over $300 per week, while at the upper end a three bedroom apartment may cost as much as $500 per week.
Renting a private home
The Nelson Mail newspaper advertises rental homes in the To Let classified advertisements section, particularly on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Sell Buy Swap newspaper also advertises properties to let, and comes out on a Thursday. Both papers are sold at dairies, petrol stations, bookshops and supermarkets.
You can also find rental properties and advertisements for flatmates on www.trademe.co.nz and www.realestate.co.nz.
Try to have a personal reference ready for landlords to read. This will help them decide whether to rent the house to you. If you use a rental agency to find a property, they will manage your contract with the landlord.
Tenancy Agreements
This is a written, legal contract between you and your landlord. The law says you must have one. You should not sign any agreement unless you fully understand everything written in it as it becomes a legal document once signed. You must also pay a deposit and a bond. Your landlord will send the bond to Tenancy Services (an independent government agency). More information from the Department of Building and Housing.
Housing New Zealand Corporation (HCNZ)
HCNZ provides rental housing. To apply for a house from HNZC, you must meet certain conditions. Migrants must have lived in New Zealand for two years. If you receive an emergency benefit, due to hardship, HNZC may accept your application. Quota refugees are automatically eligible for a Housing New Zealand house. HNZC charges rent to its tenants based on your income.
Once your application for housing is lodged with HNZC, you are assessed to determine your housing need. The assessment considers things like your current living arrangements, and social, medical and personal needs. This will ensure those with the greatest need receive help first. More information on Housing New Zealand Corporation.
Median weekly rents
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