Top tips for finding a flat

Finding a flat can take some work.

But as tenancy agreements are generally for a year, it's important to make sure you find the right fit so that you can be comfortable and healthy as you live and study.

1. Make sure you attend a flat viewing before signing a contract, as what is shown online is not always an accurate representation of what you’re getting.
   
   
2. Can you afford it?
   
   Budget for bond, weekly rent and bills. Some flats include electricity and internet, some do not. Make sure to ask in advance.
   
   
3. Is it warm?
   
   Are there working heat pumps? Check for double glazing, and make sure doors and windows are fully sealed.
   
   
4. Is there mould?
   
   Mould in a flat indicates dampness, and lack of air-flow. It’s bad for your lungs to live in a mouldy flat. Look behind curtains, and in the bathroom.
   
   
5. What style of flatting life suits you?
   
   Check out the street before you move in. Are you looking to live in a party area, or would you prefer a quiet place to study? How many flatmates will there be? Generally, closer to campus or the city centre will be more noisy, further away will be quieter.
   
   
6. How will you commute?
   
   Ask about parking—many flats only offer street parking, and some have none at all. If you use the bus, walk or cycle, use Google Maps or the Transit app to find out how easy it will be to get around.

More resources to help you find your flat:

• OPSA’s collection of links and resources
• Here’s OUSA’s 2021 flatting guide, which contains some great Dunedin-specific info like what neighbourhood might suit you. Note that costs have likely increased since 2021.
• Up-to-date Market Rent figures for the neighbourhoods in Dunedin
• Tenancy Services’ flatting advice: https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/starting-a-tenancy/flatting/
• And here’s information on starting or joining a flat from Citizen’s Advice Bureau