Move-in checklist for NZ tenancies

Check the front door operates smoothly and locks securely. Note the condition of the doorbell and entry lighting.

• Front door
• Lock and hardware
• Doorbell
• Lighting

Check walls, doors and floor coverings along the hallway. Note any marks, scuffs or trip hazards.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and power points
• Floors and floor coverings

Check walls, doors, windows and heating. Test that all lights and power points work.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and power points
• Floors and floor coverings
• Windows
• Blinds and curtains
• Heat pump or fixed heater

Test all appliances, taps and lights. Check cupboards open and close properly and note any damage to benches or surfaces.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and power points
• Floors and floor coverings
• Windows
• Blinds and curtains
• Cupboards
• Sink and benchtop
• Oven and cooktop
• Fridge
• Rangehood

Test taps, shower pressure and toilet flush. Check for leaks, mould or damage to fittings.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and power points
• Floors and floor coverings
• Windows
• Blinds and curtains
• Mirror and cabinet
• Bath
• Shower
• Basin and vanity
• Toilet
• Extractor fan

Test the washing machine and check the laundry tub for damage or leaks.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and power points
• Floors and floor coverings
• Windows
• Blinds and curtains
• Washing machine
• Laundry tub

Check walls, doors, windows and floor coverings.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and power points
• Floors and floor coverings
• Windows
• Blinds and curtains
• Wardrobe

Check the handrail is secure and treads are free of damage or hazards.

• Handrail
• Treads and risers
• Lighting

Check rubbish and recycling bins, locks and insulation. Confirm smoke alarms are present and working throughout the property.

• Rubbish and recycling bins
• Locks
• Insulation
• Smoke alarms present and working

Check the garage door and remote operate correctly. Note the condition of the floor and any damage to walls.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and power points
• Floor
• Door and remote

Check the roof and supports are sound and free of damage.

• Roof and supports
• Floor
• Lighting

Check cladding and paintwork, gutters and downpipes. Note any signs of moisture or damage.

• Cladding and paintwork
• Gutters and downpipes

Check lawns, gardens and fencing are in reasonable condition. Confirm the letterbox is present and usable.

• Lawns and gardens
• Fencing
• Clothesline
• Letterbox

List furniture and chattels provided by the landlord.

Photograph all keys supplied and note the count, including spares, garage remotes and letterbox keys.

• Number of keys supplied
• Spare keys
• Garage remote
• Letterbox key

Record gas, electricity and water meter readings at the start of the tenancy.

• Gas meter reading
• Electricity meter reading
• Water meter reading

Landlord must confirm these minimum legal requirements are met before renting the premises, under the Residential Tenancies (Smoke Alarms and Insulation) Regulations 2016. See tenancy.govt.nz/smoke-alarms.

• Working smoke alarm in or within three metres of each bedroom door
• Working smoke alarm on each storey or level
• Working smoke alarm in any caravan or sleep-out
• No smoke alarm past its expiry or recommended replacement date
• New or replacement alarms are long-life photoelectric or hard-wired, meeting the 2016 regulation standards
• All smoke alarms properly installed per manufacturer instructions
• All smoke alarms working at the start of the tenancy, including batteries

All private rentals must meet the five healthy homes standards under the Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) Regulations 2019. See tenancy.govt.nz/healthy-homes.

• Fixed heating device in the main living room meeting the required heating capacity
• Ceiling and underfloor insulation meeting the insulation standard
• Openable windows or doors in every habitable room
• Extractor fans venting outside in the kitchen and every bathroom
• Efficient drainage, guttering, downpipes and drains
• Ground moisture barrier where there is an enclosed subfloor
• Gaps and holes causing unreasonable draughts blocked off