Tenant Moving Guide.

Before you apply

Have these ready so you can apply the moment you find a place you like — good properties in Wellington move fast: photo ID, proof of income (payslips or an employment letter), previous landlord or agent references, and a brief note on your rental history. Applying with everything ready, rather than promising to "send it through later," genuinely improves your chances.

Viewing a property

Check the basics: does the heating actually work, are there obvious signs of damp or mould, does the kitchen and bathroom look well maintained, is there safe off-street access. It's completely reasonable to ask about Healthy Homes compliance directly.

Once you're approved

You'll sign a tenancy agreement setting out rent, bond and any special terms. Bond (usually equivalent to a few weeks' rent) is lodged with Tenancy Services, not held by the landlord or property manager — you'll get it back at the end of the tenancy provided the property's left in good condition, less any amounts both parties agree on.

Moving-in day

Do a proper walk-through and complete a condition report with photos before you unpack — this protects you at the end of the tenancy just as much as it protects the landlord. Note the reading on any separately metered utilities, and confirm who's responsible for what (many Wellington rentals are gas or wood-burner heated, worth understanding which).

Settling in

Know how to report a maintenance issue and roughly what response time to expect — a good property manager will have made this clear before you moved in. Keep a copy of your tenancy agreement and condition report somewhere you can find them.

What to expect from us

Everything above should be genuinely straightforward through us — clear communication before you sign, a proper condition report on the way in, and fast, real responses to maintenance, not a call centre.