Renting private accommodation could mean moving into a shared house (called a flat in New Zealand), finding an apartment on your own, or establishing a flat with a group of friends (flatmates).
Before you start your search, it is very important that you understand the costs, responsibilities, and your rights as a tenant.
Under 18?
If you are an international student aged under 18 years old, under the The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021, you are required to stay in an approved homestay or with a designated caregiver approved by Massey University.
This means you must wait until you are over 18 to consider renting private accommodation.
Where to find private accommodation
The best place to start your search for a private house, room or flatmates is online.
In many university cities, particularly Auckland and Wellington, the rental market is very competitive and houses can be difficult to find. It is therefore important that you give yourself as much time as possible to find somewhere to live before your semester starts.
Some suggested websites to find private rental accommodation are:
Other places to look are:
- student Association noticeboards around campus
- community noticeboards
- local property rental agencies.
Help finding accommodation
Massey University is not able to help students secure private accommodation or find flatmates. We can only provide guidance and advise on accommodation that is run by Massey University.
We have dedicated halls of residences on all three of our campuses for students at all years of study.
Massey University also has homestay accommodation which is available to domestic and international students. This is a great way to settle into life in a new city for short or long-term stays, while you search for private accommodation.
Costs of renting
The cost of renting a place to live varies depending on your location. There are also extra costs on top of the advertised rent price, including utility bills such as power, gas, water and internet.
While your weekly rent payment may appear less than the rent for a Massey hall of residence or a homestay, once you pay for bills and food, this may not be the case.
Costs of renting (tenancy.govt.nz).
Costs of living in a hall of residence.
Your rights as a tenant
When you rent a property as a tenant or join a shared house as a flatmate, you will have a number of rights and responsibilities.
To ensure your flatting experience while you study is positive and successful, make sure you are aware of what these are.
Renting a property, being a tenant or flatmate, and resolving disputes