8 Must-Know Tips for First Time Renters NZ

Being accepted for your first ever rental property can be difficult and quite stressful. Sometimes it feels like Property Managers won’t give you a chance if you don’t have a proven rental history or references from previous landlords.

This information is created to support first time renters NZ, helping you through the process of finding and securing your first rental. If you have any more questions after reading this booklet, feel free to contact one of our Property Managers,  their numbers are at the end.

1. Property Alerts

The best way to become familiar with what rental properties are available is to set up property alerts using rental websites, for example: Trade Me. These alerts allow you to specify the type of property you’re looking for, the budget you’re searching within, and the locations you're interested in.

The alerts will automatically arrive in your inbox on the days/times that you select. You’ll be notified of any new listings as soon as they appear online. This means you can relax knowing the internet is doing the work for you,  you’ll always know what the latest properties on the rental market are, and more than likely when they’ll be available to view.

You won’t need to log onto websites hourly to ensure you don’t miss anything.

Some real estate offices may offer to take your number and call you if a property becomes available, but don’t rely solely on this. Property managers are often very busy and may forget to follow up, which could mean missing out.

Be proactive and register on all the major rental property websites to stay ahead.

2. Rental Applications

When you have viewed a rental property you're interested in, you will be asked to submit an online rental application. This is a standard step in securing a tenancy, and understanding it ahead of time can make the process smoothe,  especially for first time renters NZ.

The application process is typically split into two parts for prospective tenants:

• Stage 1: Provides just enough information to show that you could be a potential tenant.

• Stage 2: Goes into more detail about your financial situation and background.

The applications can be quite detailed. While the exact format may vary between real estate agencies, most ask for similar types of information.

As you prepare to find your first rental property, it’s helpful to become familiar with the kind of information you’ll be expected to provide in your rental application. Common requests for information include:

Stage 1 – Basic Details

The first stage gives the property manager just enough information to determine if you could be a potential tenant.

You’ll typically need to provide:

• Personal details – full name, email, phone number, and confirmation that you’re over 18

• Viewing and possession details – when you viewed the property, preferred move-in date, and how long you plan to stay

• Co-applicants – if you’re applying with someone else

• A valid photo ID – e.g., Driver’s Licence or Passport

• Information about any pets or whether you plan to smoke on the property

• References – see the tips section below on how to prepare these

Remember, there will also be a space for you to make any notes that you think could help your application. By submitting the form, you are giving the property manager permission to verify your information. You’ll also be informed of your rights under the Privacy Act.

Stage 2 – Financial and Background Info

If your Stage 1 application looks promising, you may be asked to continue with Stage 2. This part involves more detailed checks:

• Date of birth

• Proof of income or financial support – to show your ability to pay rent

• Details of a guarantor, if you have one (common for first time renters)

• Consent to background checks through relevant tenancy databases

Now, here are some tips to assist you in your application

3. Prepare a Budget

If you’re moving out of home for the first time, you will need to have an idea of how you are going to afford to pay the rent. Creating a personal budget is a great way to figure out your income vs expenses, so you can confidently apply for a rental property and avoid financial stress later. A budget helps ensure you have enough money to cover rent while still living comfortably.

Common expenses to consider:

• Car payments and other transport-related costs (e.g. petrol, insurance, registration, maintenance)

• Phone, mobile plans, and internet

• Electricity and/or gas bills

• Contents insurance (note: your landlord insures the property, not your personal items)

• Food and groceries

• Clothing and shoes

• Entertainment and social activities

• An amount set aside for emergencies

Just like a bank providing a mortgage on a home, the property manager will want to see that the weekly rent will be affordable for you.

4. Identification

Before being approved for a rental property, it’s essential to verify your identity. In most cases, you’ll be required to provide two forms of Identification. This helps the property manager or agency confirm who you are during the rental application process.

Primary Identification:

• Passport

• Driver’s Licence

• 18+ Card (must include a clear, visible photo)

Including correct and clear identification from the start helps first time renters avoid delays in processing their application.

5. References - Testimonials

As this will be your first time applying for a property, you won’t have rental references to help with your application. What you can do to assist is you can provide character references from people who know you well and can speak to your reliability.

Who can provide a character reference?

• Long term family friends – people who have known you since you were a child, or have known your parents or guardians for many years.

• Teachers from school, Tech and/or University.

• Employers, if you currently have or previously had a job.

Character references help build trust with property managers and landlords, especially if you don’t have any prior rental history.

What your character reference should include:

• The relationship between you and the person providing the reference.

• How long they’ve known you.

• How they’ve found you to behave.

• A statement like: “If I had a rental property, I would trust this person to look after it.”

• Their contact details, and very importantly, ensure they’re aware they may be contacted by a property manager and that they give permission for you to share their information

6. Viewing Property

When you find a property that you like, you will need to view the property with the Property Manager, either at an ‘Open Home’ where the Property Manager will invite a number of interested people to view the property together, or a private inspection just for you. This step is essential in the rental process, especially for first time renters NZ, as it gives you the chance to inspect the home and make a good impression. 

There are a few etiquette tips that are useful to keep in mind:

Present well for the inspection

While, you don’t need to dress like you’re attending a job interview, we suggest you dress in a tidy manner and make a good first impression. You don’t get a second chance at this.  Think about your car as well,  Property Managers are looking for someone who is going to respect the property they are renting and look after it. You’ll also want to be aware of upcoming rental inspections if you're approved.

Introduce yourself

When you meet with the Property Manager showing you through the property, be sure to introduce yourself and any other people who have joined you for the inspection. If the Property Manager has time, this is also a great opportunity to explain your situation, that you’re a first-time tenant, and request any information from the property manager that might assist you in preparing your rental application.

Take your shoes off

It’s likely that the property you’re inspecting is someone else’s home currently. To be courteous, we recommend you always take your shoes off before entering someone else’s home.

Bring a parent

If you’re moving out of the family home for the first time, and your parents are assisting you with this process, bring them with you to the inspection. They will offer a valuable perspective of the property, and it’s also useful for them to meet your property manager at this time, too.

7. Pets

If you have a pet that you want to live in the rental property with you, try making it easy for the Property Manager to take your request to the owner for approval. Most owners are hesitant to allow dogs due to the possibility of property damage or concerns about doggy doo’s being left behind.

If you have a dog, consider getting some pet references, just like a reference for yourself. You could also submit a photo of your dog, including their name, age, and a short description of their personality. This helps give the owner a positive impression. The same goes for cats, although more landlords are generally willing to accept a cat than a dog.

8. Submitting your Application

Each agency will have a slightly different way of accepting rental application forms, so while you’re inspecting a property, be sure to ask the Property Manager about their application process.

Once you receive the application form, either physical or online, complete it as quickly as possible. Properties often get snapped up fast due to high interest, especially in competitive markets.

Make sure you complete each section and supply all the relevant documents so the Property Manager doesn’t have to come back and ask for more information. Missing information takes up valuable time and holds up the process.

Final Checklist for First Time Renters NZ

• Complete the rental application form in full, don’t leave anything out.

• Submit all your supporting documents with your application (e.g. identification, proof of income, references, pet info if applicable).

• Follow up with the Property Manager by phone to confirm they’ve received your full application and check if anything else is needed.

• Ask how long the application process is likely to take, and follow up again after that timeframe to find out if your application was successful.

• You may not get approved for the first property you apply for, so stay consistent and keep applying until you secure your first rental property.

We're Here to Help You

If you ever need assistance or more information as a first time renter, we’re always happy to offer guidance, even if we don’t currently have a rental property that suits your needs.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for advice, support, or answers to any questions you might have as a first time renter in NZ.

Contact us: 📍 Auckland Office

Staircase Financial Management HouseLevel 6, 32 Mahuhu CrescentAuckland CBD, Auckland 1010New Zealand

📞 Toll-Free: 0800 694 683 📧 Email: enquiries@staircase.co.nz

For rental enquiries, visit: www.staircase.co.nz