• Utilities and services: Arrange the connection of electricity, gas, internet and any other services before moving in, unless your tenancy agreement specifies that these are already included.
• Insurance: The property itself is insured by the landlord, however you’ ll need your own contents insurance to protect your belongings and cover any possible accidental damage for which you may be responsible.
• Settling in: Keep communication open during the first few weeks so any questions or minor issues can be resolved early, helping you settle into your new home with confidence. We are here to help- so talk to us!
Flatting and group tenancies
It’ s important to understand the difference between tenants and flatmates, as each has different rights and responsibilities under New Zealand law.
Tenants
If you’ re listed on the tenancy agreement, you are legally responsible for paying the rent and for the overall condition of the property. All tenants named on the agreement are jointly and severally liable, which means if one person falls behind in rent or causes damage, the others can also be held liable. For this reason, we recommend that tenants consider holding personal liability insurance to help protect against unexpected costs.
Tenants are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act( RTA), and you can seek advice or support from Tenancy Services at any time.
Flatmates
Flatmates are not listed on the tenancy agreement and generally pay rent to the main tenant rather than the landlord. Because flatmates are not covered by the RTA, their rights and responsibilities depend on the agreement made directly with the tenant or other flatmates.
It is helpful to create a written flat-sharing agreement that outlines rent contributions, notice periods, shared expenses, and expectations for communal spaces. Disputes between flatmates cannot be resolved by your property manager or taken to the Tenancy Tribunal, however they can be addressed through the Disputes Tribunal or community legal services, if needed.
PAYING RENT
Paying your rent on time is an essential part of your tenancy and helps keep things running smoothly. Rent is paid on a“ pay before you stay” basis, which means any payment must always cover the upcoming rental period rather than time that has already passed. Clear communication about rent helps prevent misunderstandings and supports a positive and secure tenancy.
Setting up your payments
We encourage all tenants to set up an automatic payment or direct debit, as these make it easier to stay on schedule and avoid accidental missed payments. It’ s helpful to set this up before your tenancy begins so the payment reaches us before the due date.
If your rent schedule does not align with your usual pay cycle, speak with your property manager early about arranging a one-off adjustment to make this manageable.
Understanding“ rent in advance”
The term“ rent in advance” often causes confusion. It doesn’ t mean you’ ve paid extra weeks that will then cover your rent at the end of your tenancy. Instead, it means your rent must always be paid up to date for the upcoming rental period. For example:
• If you pay rent weekly, each payment covers the week after the payment date.
• If you pay fortnightly, your payment covers the next two weeks after the payment date.
If you’ re unsure how far ahead your rent is paid, you can request a copy of your rent ledger from your property manager at any time.
TENANT INFORMATION GUIDE 11