Hamilton
Hillcrest
Silverdale
Hamilton East
Tauranga
Tauranga CBD
Greerton
Parkvale
Flatting and private rentals
For students who don’t want to live on campus, there are plenty of flats and rental properties for you to choose from. We recommend that if you choose to rent or flat that you move in early to get settled in before the trimester starts and always have your agreement in writing.
Renting is when you pay for the entire house. Renting is a great option if you have a family or prefer living alone.
Costs
In New Zealand, rent is usually advertised as a weekly price. Rental property prices vary on the condition, size and location. Market rent can be found on the Tenancy Services website and can give you an idea of what you can expect to pay.
Most University of Waikato students live off-campus in ‘flats’. Flatting is when you pay for a room in the house and share the facilities. Flatting can be more convenient for students as you do not have to furnish an entire house - just your own room.
Costs
When considering going flatting, you should expect to pay around $130-$200 for a room depending on the size and location, exclusive of food and utilities. Rent in Tauranga is slightly more expensive than Hamilton.
Private Rental and Flat Search
You can search online for flats and rentals in Hamilton and Tauranga. Here is a list of sites that can help you find the perfect house.
You can also find a rental property through a rental agency.
To keep costs down, we recommend finding a location close to the campus. Here is a list of suburbs you should start your search with.
Important Information and Advice
Flatting and renting can be difficult and you don’t always get it right the first time. Here are some tips and advice to help you be successful while living off-campus.
- Where do I want to live? How far away is the campus?
- How many people do I want to live with?
- How much can I afford?
- Do I want to live with social people?
- Do I have similar interests with my potential flatmates?
- How tidy is their room? - this may be an indicator to how they will keep the rest of the house
- How will I get to campus? Is there a bus route nearby?
- Does the property have enough parking?
- Is there sufficient heating?
- Is the property furnished?
- How is the water pressure?
- Are there any signs of mould growth?
- Is everything in working order and not damaged? (you do not want to be liable for damage someone else has caused)
There are two types of tenancy agreements
- Periodic - where there is no set time period and either tenant or landlord can give notice to end the tenancy
- Fixed term - tenancy lasts for a specified period, usually one year. You cannot give notice to end this tenancy. Most of the properties close to campus are on fixed term agreements. If you agree to this type of tenancy, you are liable for the rent for the agreed period.
For all tenancies, the landlord must provide you with a copy of the Tenancy Agreement. Make sure you have viewed the property and read the Tenancy Agreement before signing. If you do not understand anything in the contract, get advice from Tenancy Services before you sign. You must be 18+ to sign a Tenancy Agreement, otherwise you will need a guarantor.
If you sign a Tenancy agreement along with several other people, you are a co-tenant. This means that if one person damages the property or gets behind on rent, you are all responsible.
Tenancy Services provide information on your rights and responsibilities as a landlord, tenant or unit title owner. If any questions or problems arise throughout your tenancy, Tenancy Services has a range of resources that might help you. You can also call them for more specific advice.
WSU provides a free advocacy service who can help with your tenancy issues. The advocates can help you work through the issue and come to a decision on how to proceed with matters.
If you have any tenancy questions or issues, contact an advocate here.
Bonds are initial payments that protect the landlord from any damage you may cause or rent you fail to pay. Bonds are refundable and you will receive your full bond back as long as the property is well maintained and undamaged at the end of the tenancy.
Bond amounts can vary. The maximum amount of bond you can be asked for is 4 weeks rent. The landlord might also ask for 2 weeks rent in advance at the same time. This is not a bond.
Bonds are held by Tenancy Services in Wellington.
- Ensure that you give the correct amount of notice
- Clean the house inside and out and dispose of any rubbish
- Make sure anything provided by the landlord is left in good working order
- Organise a final flat inspection and return all keys
- Complete Bond Refund Form
- Do a final electricity reading and ensure all utilities are paid up to date
- Cancel any services such as internet, sky tv or electricity
- Never sign up to a property without a thorough inspection
- Never pay in cash
- Always get a receipt and use electronic banking so you can track everything
- Ensure you have a copy of the tenancy agreement
- Don’t forget to set up power, internet and other utilities
- We recommend that you get contents insurance to cover you if damage occurs