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Rent Week 2022

Sam Stubbs in front of a stylised map of Auckland (image: Archi Banal)

Inside the radical plan to build ‘the new state house’ and change renting forever

Sam Stubbs changed Kiwisaver with Simplicity. Now he's taking on a far bigger challenge.
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By Duncan Greive | 25th March, 2023
Founder
The Side Eye: Reasonably clean and tidy

The Side Eye: Reasonably clean and tidy

Your landlord might expect you to leave their rental spotless before they give your bond back, but the law says otherwise.
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By Toby Morris | 9th January, 2023
Comic artist
Illustration: Cat Atkinson

The Sunday Essay: Dunedin made me

I routinely learned things the hard way. Turns out people don’t have to love you and they also don’t have to live with you.
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By Britt Mann | 2nd October, 2022
Guest writer
Image design: Archi Banal

I’m renting at age 44 and I love it

Renting is liberating. For a long time I felt resistant to owning anything, even a washing machine.
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By Guest Writer | 1st October, 2022
Guest Post
I pay $380 a week in rent – this is how I live

I pay $380 a week in rent – this is how I live

'I feel extremely independent and free, while also being very close to friends.'
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By Guest Writer | 30th September, 2022
Guest Post
Image: Archi Banal

Cursed rentals of New Zealand: What’s that doing there edition

We need to address the elephant in the room, aka the random dishwasher in the middle of the lounge.
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By Alex Casey | 30th September, 2022
Senior writer
The worst flatmate horror stories in the world… ever!!!

The worst flatmate horror stories in the world… ever!!!

Maggots, mice and moaning – oh my!
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By Group Think | 30th September, 2022
A bunch of people
Ubiquitous short term rental companies Airbnb and Bookabach impact permanent residents too.

Do platforms like Airbnb spell bad news for long-term renters?

Short-term rental platforms create income for property owners while altering rental markets and contributing to the gentrification of communities. 
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By Shanti Mathias | 30th September, 2022
Contributing writer
I pay $750 a week in rent – this is how I live

I pay $750 a week in rent – this is how I live

'Our property manager is courteous and professional, to the point of being very formulaic and impersonal.'
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By Guest Writer | 29th September, 2022
Guest Post
Photo: Archi Banal

Renting 101: What are my rights as a tenant in 2022? 

It’s time for a refresher of renting rights, rules and regulations.
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By Stewart Sowman-Lund | 29th September, 2022
The Bulletin editor
Image by Archi Banal

Cursed rentals of New Zealand: Bed, bath and beyond edition

From carpeted baths to BYO toilets, our rental market has it all.
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By Alex Casey | 29th September, 2022
Senior writer
It’s estimated between 30% and 50% of New Zealand’s 600,000 rentals are in poor condition (Photo: Getty Images; additional design: Archi Banal)

New Zealand’s poor housing ‘a failure of our democracy’

A decent home is a human right. Part of a well-functioning democracy is respecting human rights. Not everyone in Aotearoa has a decent home.
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By Reweti Kohere | 29th September, 2022
Staff writer
The Side Eye: Reasonably clean and tidy

The Side Eye: Reasonably clean and tidy

Your landlord might expect you to leave their rental spotless before they give your bond back, but the law says otherwise.
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By Toby Morris | 29th September, 2022
Comic artist
I pay $252 a week in rent – this is how I live

I pay $252 a week in rent – this is how I live

'People at parties tell us they have fun hanging out here – but probably wouldn’t live here.'
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By Guest Writer | 28th September, 2022
Guest Post
Cursed rentals of New Zealand: Stairway to hell edition

Cursed rentals of New Zealand: Stairway to hell edition

Take the stairs – if you dare. 
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By Alex Casey | 28th September, 2022
Senior writer
A compilation of FIRST’s best flatting stories

A compilation of FIRST’s best flatting stories

Featuring maggots, a bail hostel and a massage studio in the lounge.
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By FIRST | 28th September, 2022
📺
The default position most for rental properties in New Zealand is to prohibit pets. (Image: Archi Banal)
Opinion

The absence of rights for renters with pets is just cruel

The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2020 offered hope for renters with pets – but nothing has changed.
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By Charlotte Muru-Lanning | 28th September, 2022
Contributing writer
Image: Archi Banal

PSA: Your landlord can’t ask to see your bank statements 

Also off limits: your relationship status and avocado on toast buying habits.
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By Chris Schulz | 28th September, 2022
Guest writer
Image: Archi Banal

Are you financially better off renting or buying a house?

The answer may not be as obvious as you think.
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By Emma Vitz | 28th September, 2022
Contributing writer
Image: Archi Banal

Rocketing rents and vanishing homes: When will we stop gaslighting tenants?

New Zealand renters are kept in a constant state of fear of losing their homes – but none of it actually adds up.
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By Nick Stride | 27th September, 2022
Guest writer

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