Wellington average 1-bed rent: NZ$ 2,400/mo Year-on-year rent increase: +2% Wellington rents flat as public sector shrinks Healthy Homes enforcement continues Lower Hutt offers better value Bonds are capped at 4 weeks' rent and lodged with Tenancy Services. Rent can only rise once every 12 months with 60 days' notice. Wellington average 1-bed rent: NZ$ 2,400/mo Year-on-year rent increase: +2% Wellington rents flat as public sector shrinks Healthy Homes enforcement continues Lower Hutt offers better value Bonds are capped at 4 weeks' rent and lodged with Tenancy Services. Rent can only rise once every 12 months with 60 days' notice.

New Zealand · Rent guide

Wellington Rent Guide 2026

Average rent costs by neighbourhood, yearly rent increases and tenant rights in Wellington. The typical one-bedroom rent is NZ$ 2,400 per month, up 2% year on year.

Average rent by neighbourhood

Neighbourhood	1 bedroom	2 bedrooms	Yearly increase
Te Aro (CBD)	NZ$ 2,400	NZ$ 3,500	+1.8%
Mount Victoria	NZ$ 2,600	NZ$ 3,800	+2.1%
Newtown	NZ$ 2,200	NZ$ 3,200	+2.3%
Lower Hutt	NZ$ 1,900	NZ$ 2,700	+2.5%

Indicative 2026 figures (per month, NZD). Compare with real tenant-reported rents on RentScore.

Average rent per square metre in Wellington

NZ$ 48 / m² per month

City-wide indicative average, based on a typical 50 m² one-bedroom flat. Central neighbourhoods cost more:

Te Aro (CBD): NZ$ 48 / m²
Mount Victoria: NZ$ 52 / m²
Newtown: NZ$ 44 / m²
Lower Hutt: NZ$ 38 / m²

Deposit laws in Wellington

Bonds are capped at 4 weeks' rent and lodged with Tenancy Services.
Always get a written inventory with dated photos at move-in to protect your deposit.

How do foreigners and expats without a local credit score find a home in Wellington with RentScore?

Check the building first: read verified tenant reviews, rent history and street safety on RentScore before you contact a landlord.
Know the fair price: use the neighbourhood averages above and the RentScore rent estimate so you are not overcharged as a newcomer.
Replace the missing credit score: offer an employment contract, recent payslips, a reference from your previous landlord and your RentScore rental history.
Consider a rent guarantee service or a larger (but legal) deposit instead of a local guarantor — never pay more than the legal limit shown above.
Upload your lease to the free RentScore contract check: RentScore flags hidden clauses, unfair rent increases and deposit traps in your own language.
Ask the RentScore advisor below any local question, in any language.

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Tenant rights in Wellington

Bonds are capped at 4 weeks' rent and lodged with Tenancy Services.
Rent can only rise once every 12 months with 60 days' notice.
Healthy Homes standards require heating, insulation and ventilation.
Fixed-term tenancies convert to periodic unless both parties agree otherwise.

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