[jpd]

I'm trying to figure out how NZ (Wellington) rental prices actually compare to what I'm paying at home.

I've found on other threads and on official pages that the tenant usually pays for water, electricity, and gas, and possibly a house contents insurance. Someone also stated refuse collection as an extra cost. And phone, internet etc. of course.

But what I couldn't find anywhere is: do rental prices as advertised on TradeMe etc. include taxes (GST, I suppose)?
Or how much would I need to add for that?

[James 1077]

No GST on rentals so the price you see is the price you'll pay.

If there is a letting agent fee then this will be plus GST (normally one week's rental +GST).

[IanW99]

I'm trying to figure out how NZ (Wellington) rental prices actually compare to what I'm paying at home.

I've found on other threads and on official pages that the tenant usually pays for water, electricity, and gas, and possibly a house contents insurance. Someone also stated refuse collection as an extra cost. And phone, internet etc. of course.

But what I couldn't find anywhere is: do rental prices as advertised on TradeMe etc. include taxes (GST, I suppose)?
Or how much would I need to add for that?

For Wellington, it is unlikely that you would pay for water unless your rental has a water meter (rare). Water bills are included in the rates and paid by the landlord.

The other costs seem right assuming that there is a gas supply etc.

As said by James, the price listed will be the price that you pay.

Ian

[DMcG]

Don't forget that it's the renter that has to pay the agency fee and not the landlord and you'll also have to pay a bond (normally a month or two's rent) which is held by the government.

Dougie

[James 1077]

You'll also have to pay a bond (normally a month or two's rent) which is held by the government.


I think the bond amount depends on where and what you are renting; ours was only 2 weeks rent so not that high. Also you should get it back when you finish renting unless you leave the place in a state!

[jpd]

Thanks everyone, I see much more clearly now. :)

On a side note, agency fees and bonds are much higher here in Austria, up to three month's (!) rent each. So this part doesn't bother me much at all. ;-)

[Pebbles]

If you switch from one rental to another, is the bond returned and then paid again or does it transfer to a next rental?

[BaldyBeardyBloke]

Just to confirm the above, the only element subject to GST is the agents fee.

[Familyofmonkeys]

If you switch from one rental to another, is the bond returned and then paid again or does it transfer to a next rental?

You can just transfer the bond....just need to get old landlord to sign and then give form to new landlord who signs snd sends off to transfer over. Usually has to be done within the first 10 days of starting new tenancy.

[Pebbles]

Thanks - sounds pretty straight forward (and efficient)