[Glenda]

As you have noticed, rentals are usually advertised at a figure per week. ?

We rented via a newspaper advertisement, our landlord being in the real estate business elsewhere. ? We signed a 'Residential Tenancy Agreement' produced by the Ministry of Housing Tenancy Services department. ?Our rent is paid monthly direct from our bank account. ?There are 'fixed term' tenancies or 'periodic tenancies'. ?We have the latter where we have to give 21 days' notice of termination of tenancy, and the landlord gives 42 days' notice. ?The Agreement sets out all terms and conditions plus a page where all existing damages and defects are noted. ?

A 'bond' is usually required and we paid 4 weeks rent. ?The bond was paid to the landlord who lodged it with the Tenancy Services, who sent us a receipt.

Furnished rentals are more difficult to find. ?Short term furnished rentals are more easily found during the cooler months of the year, being out of the holiday season, but are invariably on a fixed 3 or 6 month term. ?

Hope that helps. ? ?

:)