Renting your first home is exciting, but there is a lot to think about — from finding the right property and submitting an application, to signing your tenancy agreement, moving in and understanding what is expected of you as a tenant.
1. Start by Finding the Right Rental Property
Before you start applying for rental properties, take some time to think about what you actually need from your new home.
Consider:
What is your weekly rental budget?
How many bedrooms do you need?
Where do you want to live?
When do you need to move?
How many people will be living at the property?
Do you need parking, a garage or storage?
Do you have a pet?
Do you need outdoor space?
Are you looking for a furnished or unfurnished property?
It’s important to be realistic about what you can afford. Your weekly rent isn’t your only household expense. You’ll also need to budget for things such as power, internet, gas where applicable, contents insurance, moving costs and your general living expenses.
Think beyond the weekly rent
When looking at rental properties, don’t just ask yourself, “Can I afford the rent?”
Think about whether you can comfortably afford the overall cost of living in the property.
A home that stretches your budget too far can quickly become stressful, so finding a property that suits both your lifestyle and your finances is important.
2. Go to the Rental Viewing
Found a property you like online? The next step is to attend a viewing.
Photos and videos are helpful, but nothing replaces seeing a rental property in person. A viewing gives you the chance to see the size, layout and condition of the home and get a feel for whether it will actually work for you.
It’s also a great opportunity to speak with the letting agent or Property Manager.
Tell the letting agent what you're looking for
Let them know:
Your preferred move-in date
Your weekly budget
How many people will be living at the property
Whether you have a pet
What you’re looking for in a home
Any other important requirements
Even if the property you’re viewing isn’t quite right, the agent may know about another property that could be a better fit.
A tenancy is a commitment, particularly if you are entering into a fixed-term tenancy. If you break your lease mid contract there are costs that come with this.
3. Applying for a Rental Property
Found the one? Now it’s time to apply.
This is where being organised can really help.
Every property manager may have a slightly different application process, so make sure you understand exactly what is required before you start.
At Housemart, our application process has two parts, and everyone who will be living at the property needs to complete an application.
Make sure you complete all required sections and provide accurate information. Missing information or incomplete applications can cause unnecessary delays, particularly when there are multiple applicants interested in the same property.
Before submitting your application, double-check:
Your contact details are correct
Everyone who will live at the property has applied
All required information has been provided
Your previous rental or accommodation details are accurate
Your references are correct and contactable
The more organised you are, the smoother the application process is likely to be.
4. You've Been Approved — What Happens Next?
Congratulations! You’ve found your new home.
Once your application has been approved, your Property Manager will take you through the next steps, including your tenancy agreement and move-in arrangements.
This is your opportunity to ask questions. If there is something in your tenancy agreement that you don’t understand, ask.
There are no silly questions when you’re renting your first home.
Make sure you understand:
Your weekly rent
How and when your rent needs to be paid
Your tenancy start and end dates
Your responsibilities as a tenant
How to report maintenance
How property inspections work
Any specific requirements relating to the property
Once everything has been signed and your initial payments have been made, you can start getting ready for moving day.
5. Understand Your Bond and Initial Move-In Costs
One of the most important things to plan for when renting your first home is the initial move-in cost.
It’s a good idea to have these funds organised before your tenancy starts so there are no surprises when it comes time to collect the keys.
At Housemart, we require a four-week bond.
Your bond is lodged with Tenancy Services, where it is held for the duration of your tenancy. It isn't rent or a fee paid to the property manager — it is held as security for the tenancy and is dealt with at the end of your tenancy in accordance with the tenancy agreement and the Residential Tenancies Act.
Before you move in, make sure you have your bond ready to go.
We also require one week's rent in advance.
This means your initial move-in payment will generally include:
Four weeks' bond + one week's rent in advance
6. Get Ready Before Moving Day
There is plenty you can organise before you pick up the keys.
Getting a few things sorted early can make your first few days in your new home much easier.
Set up your essential services
Electricity
Gas, if required
Internet
Contents insurance
Any other services you’ll need from day one
It’s worth organising these before moving in so you aren’t spending your first night in your new home trying to get the Wi-Fi connected!
Check what comes with the property
For example:
Fridge/freezer
Washing machine
Dryer
Dishwasher
Outdoor equipment
Garage or shed
If you’re unsure, ask your Property Manager.
If you need a moving truck, trailer or extra help, book it early — particularly if you’re moving at a busy time of year.
7. Moving In — Your Ingoing Inspection
The big day has arrived!
When you move into your rental property, you’ll receive an Ingoing Inspection Report documenting the condition of the property at the beginning of your tenancy.
Take the time to go through the report carefully and familiarise yourself with the property. Check the report against the photos or video provided and make sure the condition of the home has been accurately recorded.
If you notice additional marks, damage or issues that haven’t been included, let your Property Manager know as soon as possible.
8. Know How to Report Rental Property Maintenance
Things can go wrong in any home. A dripping tap, broken appliance or small maintenance issue might seem insignificant, but it’s always best to report it rather than ignore it.
At Housemart, we provide QR codes in our properties to make submitting a maintenance request quick and easy.
If something needs fixing, let your Property Manager know.
Reporting a small issue early can prevent it from becoming a much bigger — and potentially more expensive — problem.
Of course, if you have an emergency such as a significant leak or another urgent issue that could cause damage to the property, contact your Property Manager immediately and follow the emergency procedures provided to you.
9. Understand Rental Property Inspections
Routine inspections are a normal part of renting a home.
At Housemart, routine inspections are generally carried out every three months, with the appropriate notice provided to you beforehand.
Inspections give your Property Manager an opportunity to check that the property is being looked after, identify any maintenance issues and provide the owner with an update on their property.
And don't panic — your home doesn't need to look like a show home!
The purpose of an inspection isn't to judge how you live. It is about making sure the property is being cared for and giving everyone an opportunity to identify maintenance issues early.
10. Keep Your Property Manager Updated
For example, if someone new wants to move into the property, they will generally need to be approved before moving in.
The same applies if you want to make changes to the property.
Want to install a fence? Paint a wall? Put up permanent fixtures? Make another alteration?
Ask first.
Always get the appropriate approval before making changes to a rental property.
11. Thinking About Getting a Pet?
We know pets are part of the family, but if you decide you’d like to get a pet during your tenancy, make sure you understand the requirements and seek the necessary approval first.
Under New Zealand's current tenancy rules, landlords can agree to allow pets subject to certain conditions, including a pet bond of up to two weeks' rent where applicable.
So, if you’re thinking about bringing a new furry friend home, talk to your Property Manager first.
12. Know Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Tenant
Being a good tenant isn't just about paying your rent on time. It’s about understanding both your rights and responsibilities.
Your rental property should meet the required Healthy Homes Standards, and you should receive the relevant Healthy Homes information with your tenancy documentation.
As a tenant, you also have responsibilities, including paying your rent on time, keeping the property reasonably clean and tidy, reporting maintenance issues and respecting the property.
If you believe there is an issue with the property or something doesn't seem right, speak with your Property Manager.
Good communication gives everyone the opportunity to address problems early.
13. Moving Out — What Should You Expect?
When you're ready to move out, make sure you understand the notice requirements that apply to your tenancy and communicate with your Property Manager early.
Before handing back the keys, you'll need to make sure the property is left in the condition required under your tenancy agreement and the Residential Tenancies Act.
This generally means:
Removing all of your belongings
Cleaning the property thoroughly
Removing rubbish
Cleaning appliances and included items
Returning keys, remotes and other property items
Completing any agreed requirements before the final inspection
Your Property Manager will then complete the outgoing inspection and compare the condition of the property with the ingoing report.
Once the tenancy has ended and the final rent and any other outstanding matters have been dealt with, the bond can be processed through Tenancy Services.
14. Enjoy Your New Home!
Renting your first home is a big milestone. There is a lot to learn, but you don't need to know everything on day one.
The best tenancies are built on good communication.
Pay your rent on time, look after the property, report maintenance when you notice it and keep your Property Manager informed if your circumstances change.
And if you’re unsure about something, ask.
Your Property Manager is there to help you understand the tenancy process and make sure things run smoothly.
At Housemart, we're here to help make the rental process as straightforward as possible — so get in touch if you have any questions.