Who? It is important to consider who you are going to be flatting with for the year and how well you get along.

Finding a flat? There are a number of ways you can find a flat, here are some of our recommendations: TradeMe and Facebook marketplace.

Flat viewings: check out our ‘need to know” sheet for flat viewings and any red flags to look out for/ questions to ask before signing.

Things to consider before signing: What will happen if you need to end the tenancy or change tenants? Pop into the Student Support Centre to get advice on this from one of our advocates.

Tenancy agreement: When you get a hold of your tenancy agreement, pop in to Student Support to have one of our advocates check it to make sure everything is above board.

Flatting agreements: download our flatting agreement PDF and have all members of the flat agree to what is included in the document and sign this. We recommend you make a flatting agreement at the start of the year, this prevents any misunderstandings in the future.

Bonds: click here for a bond lodgment or refund form.

Moving in: When you move in take photos of EVERYTHING. It is also important to remember to set up the flat amenities before you move in so everything is up and running e.g. power, Wi-Fi, gas, DCC bins etc.

Managing combined flat expenses: have a discussion with your flat mates about what is considered a flat expenses. E.g. cleaning products, food, bills etc.

End of tenancy: make sure you remember to either cancel your amenities or transfer them to your next flat. Get a list of what needs to clean before your final inspection, make sure someone is present at the time of the final inspection and agree with your landlord/property manager on the bond refund amount. (this is when you can sign the bond refund for as well).