Housing information and support
Whether you’re buying a home, renting, or looking to share accommodation, it’s essential to know how to find a house in Auckland. This page guides you through the steps of purchasing a home, renting or sharing accommodation. It gives information about essential services such as rubbish collection, water, power or internet.
Buying or renting a home
If you’re thinking of buying a home, Settled website can help to inform and guide you through the process.
Renting and flatting/sharing accommodation is popular, and websites like TradeMe and NZFlatmates are great for finding, homes, rooms and flatmates.
- Be prepared to pay upfront costs like a bond and one week’s rent in advance.
- Know your tenant rights and responsibilities, and confirm what is included in your rent, as utilities like water and power are often extra.
Depending on your eligibility, you may be able to access help with housing costs and public (social) housing. Visit Housing - Work and Income or visit the Work and Income office in your area to find more information.
Find out about help with urgent housing needs in the Keeping Safe and Connected section.
Basic services
Rubbish
Auckland Council is responsible for rubbish, recycling and food scraps collection services. These are paid for by house owners and businesses through rates. Each household is entitled to a rubbish bin, recycling bin and food scrap bin. If your property doesn’t have these, call the council on (09) 301 0101 to arrange for one to be dropped off. Rubbish and food scraps are collected from the roadside weekly. Recycling is collected fortnightly. Find your rubbish, recycling and food scraps collection day to know when to put your bins out.
Did you know?
At your local community recycling centre, you can drop off things you no longer need, and find second-hand furniture, tools, whiteware, bicycles, toys, clothes and even books.
Electricity and gas
In Auckland, you can choose your electricity and gas supplier, and receive monthly bills according to your usage. Powerswitch is a useful tool to estimate your annual electricity bill and compare suppliers.
Did you know?
You can book a free consultation with a Home Energy Advisor of Auckland Council or one of Ecomatters Sustainability Advisors (conditions apply) to discuss how you could lower your power bill and make your home warmer and drier.
Water
Most houses are connected to the public water system run by Watercare (a Council Controlled Organisation), except for Papakura, which is serviced by Veolia. Tap water is safe to drink. Households pay for water and wastewater services monthly according to usage.
Did you know?
Our public water supply mainly comes from water reservoirs in the Waitākere Ranges and the Hūnua Ranges, and from the Waikato River.
Did you know?
If your water use is higher than average and you do not have a leak, you are eligible for a free Water Check, where one of EcoMatters' Sustainability Advisors visits your home to look at all things water-related. Any water-saving devices they install are also free of charge. They’ll check everything from your flow rate to your water meter to make sure you aren’t losing or using water needlessly.
Phone and internet
Most urban areas in our city have access to fibre infrastructure for phone and internet broadband services. There are several companies that provide plans for landline, internet and/or mobile phone services. Check out the Commerce Commission or consumer reviews such as Consumer to compare services, and CAB to understand your rights.
