Renting Tips & Checklist

Your complete tenant checklist for renting in Porirua, Kāpiti, Tawa, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt and Wellington.

5

Essentials to sort before moving in

4

Weeks’ rent — the maximum bond

5

Healthy Homes Standards, now compulsory

Signing a tenancy agreement means taking on real rights and obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. Work through the checklist below before you move in, then use our reference guides on bonds, rent increases and Healthy Homes whenever a question comes up.

The checklist

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01 Complete the condition report +

Before your tenancy begins, your landlord or property manager must inspect the property and record its condition on a signed condition report. You should then inspect the property yourself and complete the tenant section, noting anywhere you agree or disagree with what's recorded. Return a copy to your property manager within seven days of receiving it, and keep your own copy — you'll need it as evidence at the end of the tenancy when your bond is assessed.

02 Check who pays the water rates +

Whether you pay water rates depends on what's stated in your tenancy agreement — it's not automatic either way. If your agreement requires you to pay for water, the property must meet certain water-efficiency requirements, and your landlord must confirm this on the condition report. If you're unsure, ask your property manager to point out exactly where this is addressed in your agreement before you sign.

03 Lodge your bond and pay rent in advance +

Your bond is security for the landlord if rent goes unpaid or the property is damaged. By law it can't exceed 4 weeks' rent, and if your landlord has agreed to a pet, they can also require a separate pet bond of up to 2 weeks' rent. Your landlord must lodge the bond online with Tenancy Services within 23 working days of receiving it — all bond transactions now go through Tenancy Services' online Bond Hub. Jump to the full bond guide ↓

Landlords can also ask for rent in advance — typically one week if you're paying weekly, or two weeks if paying fortnightly.

04 Understand how and when rent is paid +

You and your landlord will agree on the rent amount and payment method before you move in — weekly, fortnightly or monthly, usually by direct debit. Rent can only be increased once every 12 months, and your landlord must give you at least 60 days' written notice before any increase takes effect. Jump to the full rent increase guide ↓

05 Know the process for repairs and emergencies +

Put routine repair and maintenance requests in writing to your property manager, by email, so there's a clear record. These will be actioned as quickly as possible with minimal disruption to you. For urgent issues — plumbing, electrical, or anything structurally dangerous — phone your property manager immediately. If they're unreachable, check your tenancy agreement for a nominated emergency tradesperson, or call emergency services if there's a risk to safety.

Reference Guide

Bonds, pet bonds, and how the refund process works.

Your bond is one of the most important parts of your tenancy to get right — here's exactly what applies under current law.

Standard bond

Up to 4 weeks' rent

Held by Tenancy Services for the whole tenancy. It can be used at the end to cover unpaid rent or damage to the property beyond fair wear and tear.

If you have a pet

Up to 2 weeks' rent extra

A separate pet bond your landlord can require once they've given written consent for a pet — only one pet bond applies per tenancy, no matter how many pets you have consent for.

Here's how the bond process works in practice:

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You pay your bond to your landlord or property manager, who lodges it online with Tenancy Services within 23 working days

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Tenancy Services holds the bond securely for the duration of your tenancy — it can't be touched by either party without agreement

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At the end of the tenancy, you and your landlord agree on how the bond is split, based on the condition report and any deductions

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If you can't agree, either party can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal to resolve the dispute and determine the split

Rent increases: what your landlord can and can't do

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Rent can only rise once every 12 months

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At least 60 days' written notice is required

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The 12-month clock resets from the date the last increase took effect

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A notice that breaks these rules is invalid — you don't have to pay the higher amount

For fixed-term tenancies, a rent increase is only allowed if your tenancy agreement specifically provides for it. If you think a rent increase notice doesn't meet these requirements, you can raise this with your property manager or contact Tenancy Services for guidance.

Healthy Homes Standards: what your rental must have

Since 1 July 2025, every rental property in New Zealand must comply with all five Healthy Homes Standards — this is a legal requirement, not a recommendation. Your landlord must also give you a written Healthy Homes compliance statement within 21 days of your tenancy starting.

Heating

The main living room must have a fixed heater capable of adequately warming the space.

Insulation

Ceiling and underfloor insulation must meet current standards where reasonably practicable to install.

Ventilation

Windows that open in main rooms, plus extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms to reduce moisture and mould.

Moisture & drainage

Efficient drainage and guttering, and ground moisture barriers under any enclosed subfloor.

Draught stopping

Gaps and holes that let in unwanted draughts — including unused chimneys — must be reasonably blocked.

Ask your property manager

You can request your rental's compliance statement or documentation at any time during your tenancy.

Frequently asked questions

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What are the key things to check before I move into a rental? +

Complete and return your condition report within seven days, confirm who's responsible for water rates, understand your bond and any pet bond requirements, agree on your rent amount and payment method, and know how to report repairs and emergencies. One Agency Select Realty's property management team guides tenants through each of these steps across Porirua, Kāpiti, Tawa, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt and the wider Wellington region.

How much bond can a landlord charge in New Zealand? +

The standard bond is capped at 4 weeks' rent. If your landlord has given written consent for a pet, they can also charge a separate pet bond of up to 2 weeks' rent — but only one pet bond applies per tenancy, regardless of how many pets you have consent for.

How often can my rent be increased, and how much notice is required? +

Rent can only be increased once every 12 months, and your landlord must give you at least 60 days' written notice before the increase takes effect. A notice that doesn't meet these requirements is invalid, and you're not obliged to pay the higher amount until a valid notice has been given and the notice period has passed.

What are the Healthy Homes Standards, and does my rental have to comply? +

Yes. Since 1 July 2025, every rental property in New Zealand must comply with all five Healthy Homes Standards: heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage, and draught stopping. This is a legal requirement, and your landlord must provide a written compliance statement within 21 days of your tenancy starting.

What should I do if something urgent needs repairing? +

For urgent issues such as plumbing, electrical faults, or anything structurally dangerous, phone your property manager immediately. If they're unavailable, check your tenancy agreement for a nominated emergency tradesperson, or call emergency services if there's a risk to safety. Routine repairs should be requested in writing so there's a clear record.

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