22 SEP 2026
Author: Jemesa Landers
Before you sign for a rental, check how the home is heated, whether it meets healthy homes requirements, how the hot water works, which appliances are included and what broadband options are available at the address. Ask for the healthy homes compliance information, check mobile coverage while you’re there and arrange electricity and internet before moving day.
A rental can look great at first glance, but the day-to-day details matter. A warm living room, reliable hot water, working ventilation and a broadband connection that suits your household can make a big difference once you actually move in.
Open homes move quickly, but even 10 focused minutes can help you spot things that may affect comfort, power use or setup costs later.
Bring a simple checklist and look at the practical basics: heating, insulation, ventilation, hot water, appliance condition, mobile signal and where the broadband connection is. If anything feels unclear, ask the landlord or property manager before you apply or sign.
Ask what fixed heater serves the main living area, whether it works and when it was last checked. Look for ceiling and underfloor insulation information, extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom, obvious gaps around doors and windows, and signs of dampness or mould.
New Zealand rental properties must meet the healthy homes standards unless an exemption applies. These standards cover heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage, and draught stopping. Ask for the healthy homes compliance statement and raise anything unclear with the landlord or property manager.
If you’re allowed to, turn on taps and showers to check how quickly hot water arrives and whether the pressure feels workable. Ask whether hot water is electric, gas or another system, because that can affect which services you need to set up.
It’s also worth asking whether the hot water cylinder is in the home, how easy it is to access and whether there are any known issues.
Look at the lighting in the main living areas, kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms. LED lighting uses less electricity than old incandescent lighting, so it can be a useful thing to notice when comparing homes.
If a fridge, dishwasher, washing machine or dryer is included, check its condition and energy rating label where available.
Before choosing a rental, think about how your household actually lives. How many people will be there? Will anyone work from home? Does the house get good sun? Will you need to heat bedrooms as well as the living area?
A sunny, well insulated home may be easier to keep comfortable than a similar home that is shaded, damp or draughty. Useful habits can still help — like cold washing when suitable, running full laundry and dishwasher loads, taking shorter showers and using timers instead of leaving heating on — but the home itself makes a difference.
Use an address checker to see which broadband technologies and speeds are available at the property. Ask where the fibre optical network terminal, modem position or other connection point is located.
Check mobile coverage while you’re at the property too, especially if you work from home or rely on your phone for hotspotting, calls or backup internet. Try checking signal in the rooms where you’d actually use your devices, not just by the front door.
The best electricity plan depends on your household’s usage pattern.
Time of use plans can suit households that can move meaningful electricity use into free or discounted periods. A simpler flat rate plan may be easier if your routine is less flexible. Compare the full rate structure, eligibility rules and terms before choosing.
Set the electricity start date for the new address and the end date for the old one. Broadband can take longer, especially if an installation or technician visit is needed, so start that process early.
Record meter readings and photograph them where they’re accessible and safe. Keep confirmation emails together with your tenancy agreement, move-in inspection report and any healthy homes information.
Your tenancy agreement should include the required healthy homes compliance information. This may include details about heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage, and draught stopping. If anything is missing or unclear, ask the landlord or property manager and check current Tenancy Services guidance.
Tenants usually arrange and pay for the services they consume, such as electricity and broadband, unless the tenancy agreement says something different. Check the agreement carefully so you understand what you’re responsible for.
As early as practical once your move date and address are confirmed. A working connection may be transferred quickly in some cases, but a new installation or technician visit can take longer.
Check the main heater, insulation information, extractor fans, signs of dampness, hot water pressure, included appliances, mobile signal and broadband options. Take photos or notes if you’re allowed, because open homes can be easy to forget once you’ve seen a few.
Start with three questions: how is the home heated, what broadband is available at this address, and what utilities do I need to arrange before moving day? Those answers will quickly show whether the rental fits your household’s day-to-day needs.
Suggested next step: Before you sign, read the current Tenancy Services healthy homes guidance for tenants. Then compare Contact plans and check what you need to set up electricity and broadband at your new address.
For independent complaint or pricing advice, UDL, Billy & Powerswitch can help.
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