Rent in Auckland ranges from NZ$300 per week for a 1 bedroom to NZ$600 for a very nice apartment in an excellent neighborhood. A room to rent costs much less, about NZ$90.00 - 180.00 a week.
It is important to know some of your rights as a tenant. It is always best to have a written lease so all the terms are understood by both parties. Always try to read and understand every aspect of the lease because later misunderstandings can be costly. Rent is usually paid one month in advance, and a security deposit and last month rent are usually required to move in. Rents are not generally index-linked, except if it is mentioned in the lease contract.
Try to make a good impression when looking at apartments. Arrive on time, dress neatly, and be on your best behavior. If you are interested, let the person showing you the apartment know by asking relevant questions:
1) How long is the lease?
2) When is the move-in date and how long is the lease?
3) How much is the security deposit?
4) Are utilities included in the rent? If not, how much are they?
5) Are pets allowed?
Update 6/12/2009