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 No issues Requires attention
• Lock and hardware No issues Requires attention
• Doorbell No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lighting No issues Requires attention

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

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lights and power points No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention

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

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lights and power points No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention
• Blinds and curtains No issues Requires attention N/A
• Heat pump or fixed heater No issues Requires attention N/A

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

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lights and power points No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention N/A
• Blinds and curtains No issues Requires attention N/A
• Cupboards No issues Requires attention
• Sink and benchtop No issues Requires attention
• Oven and cooktop No issues Requires attention
• Fridge No issues Requires attention N/A
• Rangehood No issues Requires attention N/A

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

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and power points No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention N/A
• Blinds and curtains No issues Requires attention N/A
• Mirror and cabinet No issues Requires attention
• Bath No issues Requires attention N/A
• Shower No issues Requires attention N/A
• Basin and vanity No issues Requires attention
• Toilet No issues Requires attention
• Extractor fan No issues Requires attention N/A

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

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and power points No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention N/A
• Blinds and curtains No issues Requires attention N/A
• Washing machine No issues Requires attention N/A
• Laundry tub No issues Requires attention N/A

Check walls, doors, windows and floor coverings.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and power points No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention
• Blinds and curtains No issues Requires attention N/A
• Wardrobe No issues Requires attention N/A

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

• Handrail No issues Requires attention N/A
• Treads and risers No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lighting No issues Requires attention N/A

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

• Rubbish and recycling bins No issues Requires attention
• Locks No issues Requires attention
• Insulation No issues Requires attention
• Smoke alarms present and working No issues Requires attention

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

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and power points No issues Requires attention
• Floor No issues Requires attention
• Door and remote No issues Requires attention

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

• Roof and supports No issues Requires attention
• Floor No issues Requires attention
• Lighting No issues Requires attention

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

• Cladding and paintwork No issues Requires attention
• Gutters and downpipes No issues Requires attention

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

• Lawns and gardens No issues Requires attention N/A
• Fencing No issues Requires attention N/A
• Clothesline No issues Requires attention N/A
• Letterbox No issues Requires attention N/A

List furniture and chattels provided by the landlord.

Photograph all keys supplied and record how many of each, then test every key in its lock.

• Door keys Number answer keys
• Spare keys Number answer keys
• Garage remotes Number answer remotes
• Letterbox keys Number answer keys
• Access cards and fobs Number answer
• Keys tested in their locks All working Some not working Not tested

Record gas, electricity and water meter readings at the start of the tenancy. Leave a reading blank if the property has no such meter.

• Gas meter reading Number answer
• Electricity meter reading Number answer
• Water meter reading Number answer

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 Yes No
• Working smoke alarm on each storey or level Yes No
• Working smoke alarm in any caravan or sleep-out Yes No N/A
• No smoke alarm past its expiry or recommended replacement date Yes No
• New or replacement alarms are long-life photoelectric or hard-wired, meeting the 2016 regulation standards Yes No
• All smoke alarms properly installed per manufacturer instructions Yes No
• Alarms tested All sounding Some not sounding Not tested

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 Yes No
• Ceiling and underfloor insulation meeting the insulation standard Yes No
• Openable windows or doors in every habitable room Yes No
• Extractor fans venting outside in the kitchen and every bathroom Yes No
• Efficient drainage, guttering, downpipes and drains Yes No
• Ground moisture barrier where there is an enclosed subfloor Yes No N/A
• Gaps and holes causing unreasonable draughts blocked off Yes No