[Howie]

We've arrived in Auckland. We're staying at a motel in Papakura right now as it's near the quarantine facility (where the dog is) and near my husband's work. We'd like to find a house to rent as soon as possible as the motel is getting expensive.
Any suggestions on where to live? My husband will be working at the Ardmore airfield. I will likely be working in downtown Auckland. We only want to buy one car. We're thinking about Papakura as I could take the train into downtown, but I think the commute might be too long for me. Is there a good area half way between that would have good bus/train access to downtown? We were looking at Howick, but not sure if we can afford to rent there. We are hoping to find a place for $300/week in a safe neighbourhood. Is this reasonable or are we dreaming?
Also, once we decide on a location, what's the best way to find a place to rent? Do we just go to all of the agents? Look in the paper (which paper?) Any advice would be appreciated as we're feeling a little overwhelmed.
Thanks,
Susan

[Park City Partner]

I can't help you with areas as I am too new to the area. We are living in Glenfield and found the place through Trademe. My partner actually did the looking before I arrived and he said the stuff in the 350 range was not good...though he is a builder. We are paying about $450 for a 4 bedroom (one bigger than we really needed) and we feel the house is perfectly adequate. We needed to b near AUT on the Northshore so we focusedon that area. Hope this is helpful and good luck!

[Marie P]

Hi .....I'm nearby too [Otahuhu ]....we found our rental on trade me also .....not in a very good area but a brand new 4 bedroomed house ....we looked at some awful ones ....we are paying $400 a week .

The estate agents have rental lists ,just call in and pick them up .

Marie x

[jubjub]

go to Agents and try trademe, only thing with agents is that it will cost you an extra weeks rent as their "finders fee".

Not sure what to advise with areas, but if you have a train station near where you are thats not bad if you like the area.

Howick you will probably struggle to get a cheaper rental, but its worth a try if you only want a small place. although you can then get the ferry from Half Moon Bay to CBD! The commute would take your hubby about 30 mins to get down to Ardmore then,

Other problem you have is the dog, many rentals refuse to have them, but the one we found off trademe let us have ours, private may be a better option for you in that case.

Try looking at http://www.rideline.co.nz/, that will give you an idea of the transport from the area you are looking at.

Happy House Hunting.

[Park City Partner]

We didn't pay a fee for our place so make sure to ask. The landlord paid the property manager.

[annaerb]

You could also try Clevedon, Beachlands,Maraetai, Whitford areas. These are all close to Ardmore/Papakura.
There is a ferry service (30 mins)from Pine Harbour (Beachlands) to CBD also.

I live in Maraetai. Rental Properties out this way is $280 upwards. People I met from Wales that live in Maraetai pay $380pw, 4 bedroom with swimmimg pool and sea views.

Go for a drive and have a look at all the areas and see which one you like the best. See how long it takes from each destination to where you'll be working.

[Howie]

Thanks for the input. We're going to look at a house in Bucklands Beach tomorrow. It's cheap, is right on the sea cliff and they'll "consider" the dog. Not too sure how to tell them I want to get a puppy soon. We tried the drive from Bucklands Beach to Ardmore during rush hour this morning and it took 35 minutes. I'm thinking that I could take the ferry into downtown. We'll keep looking.
I think a weeks rent for the rental agency is a bargin. I hope we find something soon as the motel is not so much fun.
Thanks!!
Susan

[Howie]

We just saw a nice house in Wattle Downs last night. They said that the dog was no problem and we loved the house. We said we would take it and the guy started to go over the tenancy agreement which included that the dog must stay outside. We explained that our dog is a 10 year old lab and was not about to cause any trouble, but he does like to sleep on the couch at night and we couldn't leave him outside all the time. We offered to pay a larger deposit and to have the carpets professionally cleaned after we left. He's going to think it over and get back to us, but it doesn't sound good.
Argh!!! I really didn't think the dog would be this much of a problem.

[jubjub]

they sure love their outside dogs here, they dont get the whole indoor dog thing at all......

Good luck, hope you get it.

[Howie]

I've started to ignore the "no pets" and just call anyone with a place to rent. I don't want to waste everyone's time if they really won't take a dog, but when to mention it? On the phone? Or wait until we see the place?

[jubjub]

I would be inclined to mention it on the phone when you try to arrange to see the place, it saves everyones time then if they are dead set against it.