How Do I Provide References for a Rental Home in New Zealand?

How Do I Provide References for a Rental Home in New Zealand?

If you are applying for a rental home in New Zealand, references are not optional. They are an essential part of your tenancy application and without them, you are very unlikely to secure a house. In a market where landlords and agents often receive multiple applications for each property, your references can be the deciding factor.

In fact, they are often the clincher in whether your application is chosen. A landlord may be weighing up several good candidates, but the applicants with strong, relevant references is the one who will get the call back.

Another important piece of the puzzle is personal connection. Building a relationship with the agent (or private landlord), even just by introducing yourself with a quick phone call before you apply, can make all the difference here in New Zealand. Agents want to know who you are, not just what is on paper. A strong set of references paired with a personal approach will help you stand out in a very competitive market.

Why References Matter in New Zealand

The rental market in New Zealand is usually busy (although there are seasonal fluctuations), especially in Auckland and other larger cities. For landlords and property managers, references are the quickest way to check that you will be reliable and respectful. They show that you have a track record of paying rent on time, taking care of a home, and being easy to deal with.

A tenancy application without good supporting references is likely to be overlooked for one that does have them. Even if you are moving from overseas, good references can carry weight and provide reassurance. They show you are serious, responsible, and worth trusting with someone’s property.

👉 If you want support in making your application stand out, this is something we guide our home search clients through every step of the way.

What Kinds of References Can You Use?

When you are new to the New Zealand system, it can be confusing to know which references to provide. Our clients often worry that their references are from their home country. Some local referees are often preferred, but overseas references still hold value and are well worth including.

Applicants are also often concerned that they don't have any recent landlord references because they have owned their home for a while - this is very normal, and there are a number of ways around it........

Previous Landlords or Property Managers

These are the strongest references you can provide. They show you have a history of paying rent, looking after a property, and respecting tenancy agreements. Even if your referee is overseas, a good landlord or property manager reference will carry real weight with an agent here.

That said, many people moving to New Zealand have owned their own home in their home country and may not have an up-to-date landlord reference (or any rental history at all). Agents here understand this and it will not put them off. What matters is that you can evidence the same key points another way, such as through professional references, proof of financial stability, or character statements.

Professional References

If you do not have recent rental history, professional references are the next best option. Employers, colleagues, or teachers/lecturers/admissions officers (if you are coming to New Zealand for study) can speak to your reliability, responsibility, and stability. A short note confirming you are trustworthy and dependable can go a long way.

Personal References

Friends, mentors, coaches, or community leaders can also be used. These references are more about your character than your finances, but they still add value. They help an agent get a fuller picture of you and your family.

Pet References

If you are bringing pets with you, a reference for them can really help. It shows that your animal is well-behaved and that you are a responsible owner. I wrote a whole blog on moving to New Zealand with pets (read it here), which covers what to think about when you apply for a rental with an animal.

New Zealand is an incredibly dog-friendly country, with plenty of walks and beaches to enjoy. But there are rules that change depending on season and location, and it is worth checking the Auckland Council dog rules so you know where you can walk your dog.

How to Strengthen Your Application Without Overcomplicating It

Good references do not need to be long or complicated. In fact, short and clear is often better. Agents and landlords are busy and want reassurance more than detail.

Here are some ways to make your references work for you:

• Choose referees who are recent and relevant. Someone who knows you well and can speak to your current reliability is more persuasive than a distant connection.

• Prepare your referees. Let them know you are applying so they can expect a call or email. A prepared referee will give a stronger response.

• Keep it concise. A few sentences that highlight your strengths are enough.

• Add a personal touch. Pick up the phone and introduce yourself to the agent before applying. It shows initiative and makes you more than just a name on paper.

• Present references neatly. Bundle them clearly so they are easy to read and do not get lost in a pile of documents.

If you are still deciding where to live in Auckland, our Auckland House-hunting Guide is a good place to start. It compares different areas so you can target your applications where they are most likely to succeed.

What Not to Worry About

It is easy to overthink references. You do not need lengthy letters or a whole stack of documents. What matters is that they are clear, relevant, and credible.

The real impact comes from how references are worded and tailored. That is where we step in for our paid clients. We provide detailed examples and draft wording that highlight exactly what landlords want to see. This is the kind of support that makes your application stronger without you having to second-guess every detail.

Where to Find More Guidance

If you would like to explore the official rules and standards around renting in New Zealand, here are some useful resources:

• Tenancy Services NZ - the government’s official information on renting.

• Healthy Homes Standards - information on ensuring rental properties meet minimum health and safety requirements.

For a more personal approach, our relocation services are designed to help you with every step of the process, from searching for properties to pulling together applications that landlords feel confident accepting.

Final Thoughts

References are not just helpful in New Zealand, they are essential. They can be the deciding factor in whether your application is successful. With the right referees, presented clearly and supported by a personal connection with the agent, you will put yourself ahead of the competition.

I know what it feels like to be new here and unsure how things work. When my family arrived in Auckland, this part of the process was unfamiliar and stressful. That is why I now help others to avoid the same uncertainty. With the right preparation and guidance, you will be ready to secure a rental home that allows you to start your new life with confidence.

And if you would like that extra layer of support, that is exactly what we offer. From helping you find the right house to making sure your references hit the mark, we act as your eyes and ears on the ground, and cheerleaders for your application.

If you want to know more, contact us or drop an email to nicki@asthekiwiflies.com