Book temporary accommodation

Why it matters

• Immigration New Zealand says that unless you're staying with family or have accommodation through your employer or education provider, you'll need somewhere to stay for the first few weeks while you look for something permanent.

Steps

1. Open Immigration New Zealand's page on hotels, motels and other places to live temporarily.
2. Compare the options it describes, such as a hotel or motel, a holiday rental, a cabin at a holiday park or camping ground, or a boarding house.
3. Use a booking website to find a place, and for a hotel or motel, ask for a quote for a longer stay.
4. Check the facilities at holiday parks. Immigration New Zealand says some have a shared kitchen, bathroom and laundry.
5. If you're renting a home, visit it before you commit.
6. Sign a tenancy agreement only when you're sure you want the property.

Documents you'll need

• If you pay a bond for a tenancy: the bond receipt, which the landlord must give you

Common mistakes

• Booking a hotel or motel for a long stay without asking for a quote.
• Committing to a rental before you've visited it.
• Making a payment before you've checked the request is genuine. Consumer Protection says to stop and think first.

Watch out for

• Tenancy Services says the Residential Tenancies Act doesn't cover hotels and motels, or holiday homes rented for a holiday.
• Tenancy Services says a short fixed-term tenancy lasts 90 days or less.
• Immigration New Zealand says the price and availability of short-term places change through the year, with tourist numbers, university start dates and school holidays.
• Tenancy Services says a bond shouldn't be lodged for an arrangement the Residential Tenancies Act doesn't cover.
• If it's a tenancy: landlords and their agents can't charge letting fees or key money. Tenancy Services says the only exception to the key money ban is an option fee of at most one week’s rent.

Cost

• Immigration New Zealand says holiday parks and camping grounds can be a cheaper option for short stays.

Sources