• A lot of people apply
• 3 or more referees are required
• If the application is approved
• Conclusion

The process of renting a house is no different than in Japan. You find a place, look around, and if you like it, you apply and sign a contract. But, this application process was surprisingly difficult.

§A lot of people apply

A surprisingly large number of people applied for a preview before submitting an application. If the property is cheap for its condition, the preview day is like Ramen Jiro Meguro. 15 groups of people turned up at the appointed time.

Even if you have applied for a preview, real estate agent may find a tenant before the preview day. Anyway, there is a lot of competition, so you need to apply for the earliest possible viewing date as soon as information about new properties is published, and apply immediately after the viewing.

§3 or more referees are required

Once you apply, you will be checked to see if you can afford to rent the property. You will then be asked to provide three or more references.

The referees must be people who currently live in New Zealand and can be contacted by telephone. You may also be asked to refer to a specific group or organisation, such as a work colleague, a friend or the owner of the house you currently live in.

According to a kiwi friend who became a referee for me,

yes she wanted to know you were credible nz is a very insular country so same issue for foreigners with job , house and other references always want local reference

§If the application is approved

The rest of the process is completed with the deposit and the signing of the contract. You will be notified of the account and amount (deposit + rent for X number of weeks) and you will need to transfer the money by the specified date and sign the contract with written proof of transfer and ID.

In most cases, the due date will be specified in the range of 24-48 hours after the application is accepted. Be sure to prepare the account and balance to be transferred.

For your information, a scanned copy of your online banking transfer history is acceptable as written proof of transfer.

§Conclusion

1. Move as quickly as possible to view the property, giving it priority over everything else. If you like it, apply on the same day. Competition is fierce, so do it even if you are not 100% satisfied with the property.

2. Consult local friends, acquaintances and relatives before you go to Japan and be prepared to provide 3-5 referees.