This page has information about renting a house in Dunedin.
There are rental properties in all areas of Dunedin. Emigrate New Zealand (link to external website, new window) has information about average house rental costs in Dunedin.
The area around the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic has many rental houses, but these are mostly occupied by students and may not be suitable for families.
Where can I find out about available rental houses?
- Real estate firms in Dunedin have lists of available local rental accommodation.
- www.realestate.co.nz (link to external website, new window) lists rental accommodation from a range of real estate firms.
- Trademe (link to external website, new window), the Otago Daily Times (link to external website, new window) and a number of Facebook groups also advertise private rental accommodation.
What are my rights/responsibilities as a tenant?
You can find free advice on your rights as a tenant on the website of the independent Tenancy Services (link to external website, new window) department of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment New Zealand.
Tenancy Services can also assist you if you have difficulties with your landlord and are unable to fix the problem by yourself. You can make an appointment at the Dunedin office by calling 0800 836 262.
Since 1 July 2019, ceiling and underfloor insulation has been compulsory in all rental homes, where it is reasonably practicable to install.
These requirements apply to all rental properties covered by the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (RTA), including houses rented by Kāinga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand) and registered Community Housing Providers. . Tenancy Services have information about this change (link to external website, new window).
What is the different between being a tenant and being a flatmate?
The term ‘flatting’ is used to describe sharing a rental property with other people. But if you’re a flatmate, rather than a tenant, you may have different rights. Tenancy Services (link to external website, new window) has information about your rights as a flatmate.
Social housing
The Dunedin City Council offers some community housing. Visit our community housing webpage for more information.
The Ministry of Social Development has information about public housing, emergency housing (link to external website, new window) and transitional housing.