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MONIQUE FORD / STUFF/Stuff
Flatting can be liberating but there are traps to be aware of.
Going flatting for the first time can be exciting or daunting! If you want to avoid a positive experience becoming a nightmare, here’s some things to keep in mind.
Where we live and the people we live with have a big impact on our wellbeing. So before making a commitment to a flat, consider what’s important for you. If you’re someone who needs calm and quiet, it’s not going to work living in party central.
As living costs rise affordability is a big issue. You can avoid the stress of unmanageable debt by preparing a budget. This should include not only the rent but other expenses such as the bond, utilities, food etc.
There are very few legal rules for flatting. Did you know the law on renting property, called the Residential Tenancies Act, only applies to landlords and tenants, not flatmates? This affects such things as the payment of bond and rent and notice periods. The difference is a tenant has signed a rental agreement with their landlord, whereas a flatmate’s name is not on the agreement. More than one person in a flat can sign a rental agreement and share the legal responsibilities.
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So, although flatmates have fewer legal responsibilities, you also have less protection if things go wrong. It’s very important you meet and write up a flatting agreement when you join a flat. If you’re not sure what this should cover, here’s some basic suggestions:
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The bond
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The rent
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How much notice you must give if you want to move out
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Who has responsibility for caring for the property
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How expenses are split
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Having people to stay
A common pitfall when friends flat together is thinking they don’t need a written agreement. Having a written agreement can save a friendship that could otherwise be spoiled because the rules agreed to are remembered differently. It is also important if written evidence is ever needed for legal reasons. All flatmates should sign the agreement and keep a copy.
Flat sharing agreements can be downloaded from CAB’s and the Tenancy websites.
Flatting can be a great experience, but also challenging. Talking regularly with your flatmates helps to manage problems when they arise and using your flatting agreement can avoid issues becoming personal.
If flatmates can’t settle their disputes through talking, they can go to the Disputes Tribunal. You’ll find more information on the Disputes Tribunal on CAB’s and the Ministry of Justice websites.
Remember, our friendly CAB volunteers happily help you find answers to anything at all. You don’t need an appointment and can call in for a chat, email or phone us.
Citizens Advice Bureau Nelson Tasman, 9 Paru Paru Road, Nelson.
Ph: 03 548 2117 0800 367 222; email: nelsontasman@cab.org.nz; www.cab.org.nz
Citizens Advice Bureau Marlborough, Marlborough Community Centre, 25 Alfred St Blenheim.
PH 03 578 4272 O800 367 222 email: marlborough@cab.org.nz; www.cab.org.nz
Some helpful online resources and links:
https://www.cab.org.nz/search/tag:%22Starting+or+joining+a+flat%22
https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/starting-a-tenancy/flatting/
https://youthlaw.co.nz/rights/young-adults/work/tenants-and-flatmates/
https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/life/accommodation/private/ACCM562_Guide_To_Flatting_HBK.pdf
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