Why rent with Nesto?
Whether you’re searching for your next home, preparing to move, or just trying to understand how renting works in New Zealand, our team is here to guide you every step of the way with clear communication, helpful advice, and a streamlined rental experience.
Homes that meet Healthy Homes standards
We make sure the properties we manage meet the required Healthy Homes standards.
Flexible viewing options
We make it easier to see properties around work and life, rather than expecting every renter to fit into a narrow viewing window.
A team that keeps you informed
From your application through to your tenancy, you’ll know what’s happening and who to talk to.
Easy maintenance reporting
Once you’re settled in, you’ll have access to our online maintenance hub so reporting an issue is quick and easy.
Do I need to view the property? Yes. Everyone applying needs to attend a viewing before we can process the application.
Who needs to apply? Everyone aged 18+ who will live at the property needs to complete their own application.
What happens after I apply? We’ll review your information and references and present applications to the owner. Successful or not, we’ll let you know.
Renter FAQs
Everyone aged 18 and over who’ll be living in the property must complete their own application — that includes older dependents. Children under 18 can be listed as dependents, but once they’re adults, they’ll need to be on the tenancy agreement too. Each adult applicant must provide their name, date of birth, and ID at minimum.
Yes. All prospective tenants must attend a viewing. This ensures that you know exactly what the property is like and it avoids any complications in the future if the property does not meet your expectations.
You sure can — but we’ll only process your application after you’ve viewed the property in person. Make sure you book your own viewing through our website instead of waiting to hear from us. Seeing it for yourself helps ensure it’s the perfect fit before we move things forward!
If you can see the property listed on TradeMe, good news — it’s still up for grabs! As soon as a tenancy agreement is signed, we remove the listing straight away. So if it’s online, it’s available!
Found a place you love? Just click the ‘Apply Now’ button under the property listing to fill out your tenancy application form. You’ll need to attach references — ideally from previous landlords. If that’s not possible, we’ll accept one from your employer or a character reference from someone who knows you well (but isn’t a friend or relative — think teacher, pastor, or mentor). Having these ready makes the process quick and easy!
Once we get your application, we review all the info you’ve provided and pass it — along with any others — to the property owner or manager. Sometimes they make a quick decision, and other times they’ll wait until a few more viewings are done. We know waiting can be stressful, so we do our best to keep it short. Whether you’re successful or not, Nesto will always let you know!
Once you get the thumbs-up from Nesto, we’ll send you a confirmation email outlining your tenancy details. You’ll need to pay two weeks’ rent within 48 hours to secure your new home, then sign your tenancy agreement (sent electronically) and pay your bond no later than three working days before move-in. Once everything’s signed, sealed, and paid — the keys are yours!
Most Nesto properties require a bond equal to four weeks’ rent, plus two weeks’ rent in advance. Once that’s sorted, you’re all set to move in and make yourself at home!
Life happens — we get it. If you know you won’t be able to pay your rent on the due date, let your property manager or landlord know straight away. We can help work out a plan, but the key is to keep in touch and follow through on what’s agreed.
Only the people listed on your tenancy agreement are legally allowed to live in the property. If you’d like to add a flatmate, just check in with your property manager or landlord first — they’ll need to approve it. Your new roomie will also need to complete a full application and go through the same screening process you did. And if one flatmate moves out and another moves in, the new occupant must also be approved before moving into the property.
Before you turn your place (or even a spare room) into an Airbnb hotspot, check your tenancy agreement — chances are, it’s not allowed. Many owners’ insurance policies also ban short-term rentals, so skipping that step could affect your insurance cover and put you in breach of your tenancy agreement. When in doubt, always check before you list!
Your bond is securely lodged with Tenancy Services within 23 working days of payment. Once it’s processed, you’ll get a confirmation directly from them so you know your money’s in safe hands.
First, check your tenancy agreement to see if you’re on a fixed-term or periodic tenancy.
Fixed-term: You’re legally committed until the end date. If something changes and you need to leave early, contact your property manager as soon as possible — they might agree to an early exit, but you could be charged for advertising or tenant finder fees.
Periodic: Easy! Just give three weeks’ written notice to your property manager or landlord.
Either way, communication is key — talk to Nesto early, and we’ll help make the move-out process smooth and stress-free.
Your bond is safely held in trust with Tenancy Services — it’s there to protect against any damage or unpaid costs after you move out, not to cover your final rent payment. Skipping that last rent and expecting your bond to fill the gap isn’t just frowned upon — it’s actually illegal. So, keep things smooth and stress-free by paying your rent right up to the end!