subject: Christchurch Holiday And Short Term Rental Houses - Australians [print this page] How do I rent a house in Christchurch, New Zealand, when I am still living in Ausralia?
When you are making the move from another country to live in New Zealand, there are a number of things you need to organise, and one of the most important is sorting out where you will live when you arrive.
Most rental homes in Christchurch, whether managed by private owners or by a property manager, require the applicant to have a current New Zealand address, a NZ credit history, and NZ landlord references. They also expect to meet the tenant before agreeing to lease the home. When you are moving from another country, you most likely won't be able to meet any of these conditions. As well, sometimes you are not even sure what part of the city you want to live in, or whether you want to rent long term or buy a home.
So, what to do?
If you have started the immigration process, and have some idea of your arrival dates and how long it will take for your furniture to travel to NZ, you can look for short term accommodation to cover the one to three months period while you get settled.
The three main options are:
1.Motels
2.Apartments
3.Self-catering accommodation
With option 3, self-catering accommodation, you can arrive straight from the plane, and usually everything will be provided.
What are you likely to need in your home while you get settled into Christchurch?
The most common needs are:
- Good heating (Christchurch can a lot colder than Australia!)
- Broadband access and a phone, to look for work, a long term rental or to call real estate agents if you are buying a home.
- Easy access to the city centre
- Local shops, bus routes, parks and attractions
- A home that is well equipped, with a full kitchen, pantry basics (condiments), linen, a washing machine, and your own courtyard garden.
- Family friendly-check with the home owner if you need extras such a cot or highchair.
- Recommendations to other services if you need help with your resettlement.
