Date: 20th Jan 2026
Choosing a flatmate to fill a room requires serious thought and a safety-first approach. After all, you and this person will be living in each other’s space, so the right roommate is integral to avoiding conflict, protecting finances and ultimately, enjoying your home! But with so many factors to consider, it can be tricky to know how to find flatmates that are a good fit for you.
Today, we’re going to cover the fundamentals of finding a compatible flatmate, including legal steps, screening, and compatibility, to create a harmonious, easy-to-live-in environment.
Sometimes you may be in a situation where you need to act quickly to secure a flatmate. But keep in mind that safety should never be compromised, even under time pressure. Scammers often target those advertising rooms, so it’s important to stay vigilant throughout the process.
When looking for flatmates, start by meeting potential candidates in a public place or arranging a video call before sharing your address. Never send money, ID, or personal documents until you’ve confirmed the person’s legitimacy. If you’re wondering where to find flatmates, always work with trusted rental platforms or reputable property websites, including Trade Me or NZ Flatmates, rather than responding to unsolicited social media messages from unknown profiles.
Watch out for common red flags, such as people who pressure you to decide quickly, refuse to verify their identity, or share questionable information. Plus, always remember that when things seem too good to be true, they are!
For more guidance on how to stay safe while searching for a flatmate, visit NZ Flatmates' safety guide.
Under New Zealand tenancy law, there’s a key difference between tenants and flatmates. Tenants have a direct agreement with the landlord, and their rights and responsibilities are outlined by the Residential Tenancies Act. So, what rights do flatmates have in New Zealand? Flatmates rent from the head tenant and aren’t protected under the Act. Instead, written flat sharing agreements between tenants and flatmates set the expectations around rent, bills and notice periods.
When looking for a flatmate, remember that discrimination laws still apply. It’s illegal to make decisions based on a person’s race, gender, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation. The focus should remain on lifestyle, reliability and shared living standards.
Tenants named in the direct agreement pay a bond to the landlord at the beginning of the tenancy, formally lodged online via the Tenancy Services bond lodgement portal, keeping the process transparent and secure.
Flatmates are not obliged to pay a bond to the landlord, but may pay one to the head tenant as part of the house-sharing agreement. If you require your flatmate to pay a bond, you will need to outline it in the agreement, provide a receipt and let them know how they can get their bond back.
Money can quickly become a source of tension in shared living, so it’s best to be upfront and get on the same page from the start. Before advertising a room, research local market rates to make sure the price is fair. Websites such as Trade Me Property and realestate.co.nz can help you compare listings in your area and see what similar spaces, such as apartments, double rooms or furnished rooms, are renting for.
Be clear about what the weekly rent includes, whether it covers expenses like internet, power, water, insurance, and shared groceries, or if those costs are split separately. Setting these expectations early prevents confusion and potentially uncomfortable conversations later on.
When it comes to splitting bills, decide on a system that feels fair to everyone. Many flatmates divide costs equally, while others prefer usage-based sharing, especially for power or water. For example, one flatmate might pay a higher portion if they work from home and use more electricity. Establishing a system and putting these details in writing helps keep things transparent and easy to manage right from day one.
The best way to find a flatmate you’re compatible with is by doing a bit of due diligence. Once you’ve shortlisted potential candidates, ask for references from previous landlords or employers to get a sense of their reliability, cleanliness and ability to pay rent on time. It’s also reasonable to request proof of employment or income to confirm financial stability, just keep the process respectful and professional.
When meeting in person, always view a valid photo ID to confirm identity, but avoid keeping copies to protect privacy. Under New Zealand’s Privacy Act 2020, you’re responsible for handling personal information carefully, which means collecting only what’s necessary and storing it securely if kept at all. Be upfront with applicants about how their information will be used and deleted once you’ve made a decision.
A little screening effort up front can save you from major headaches later, helping ensure that your new flatmate is trustworthy and a good fit to join your household.
Once you’ve found your ideal flatmate, formalise the arrangement with a written roommate agreement. A simple document outlining the rent amount, bond, notice period, household chores, guest policy, and quiet hours can help everyone start on the same page. Putting expectations in writing ensures there’s no confusion about who’s responsible for what.
You don’t need to draft this from scratch. You can use a Flatmate Agreement Template, available through trusted sources online or by adapting Tenancy Services NZ’s sample. This type of agreement isn’t legally binding under the Residential Tenancies Act, but it provides a clear record of what’s been agreed to and helps prevent misunderstandings later.
Taking the time to create a simple flatmate agreement is a small step that can make a big difference in maintaining a stress-free living situation.
Even the most responsible flatmate can be difficult to live with if your lifestyles don’t align. Before making a final decision, have an open conversation about daily routines and habits. Always keep it respectful, general and judgment-free. The goal is to work out whether you are compatible living together.
Questions to ask potential flatmates may include:
It’s also worth asking about differences in noise tolerance, tidiness and social activity, as this can quickly create tension if not addressed early. Being upfront about your own preferences helps both sides decide if the arrangement feels right.
If you’re still unsure, suggest a short trial period before committing long-term, provided this won’t make things more difficult for everyone. This gives everyone a chance to see how well you get along day-to-day and can help avoid awkward situations later.
A smooth move-in sets the tone for a positive flatting experience. Before your new flatmate arrives, do a quick check of shared spaces and furnishings, noting any existing damage or wear. Taking photos and recording these details protects both parties if questions arise later about the property condition.
It’s also helpful to offer a simple house manual that includes the Wi-Fi code, rubbish and recycling collection days, emergency contacts, and any crucial household guidelines. This small gesture shows you’re organised and helps your new flatmate settle into the new place faster.
Finding a reliable flatmate takes time, communication, and a bit of preparation, but the effort certainly pays off. Each step, from verifying identities to setting transparent expectations and understanding legalities, helps protect your home and create the comfortable, safe, and enjoyable living environment you deserve.
Whether you’re searching for a new rental to live in or looking to rent out your property, our team can help guide you through the process.
Get in touch for expert advice on making your next move a smooth one.