How to Split Move-In Costs Fairly Between Flatmates in NZ

“Flatting” is a rite of passage in New Zealand. But whether you are moving in with best mates or strangers, money conversations are awkward.

Who pays for the bond? What if someone gets the big room? Who buys the fridge?

Here is the fair, mathematical way to split costs and keep the peace.

1. Splitting the Bond

The bond should usually be split equally among all tenants on the lease, regardless of room size.

Why? Everyone is equally liable for the house.
The Paperwork: Ensure everyone’s name is on the Bond Lodgement Form. If only one person signs, they legally “own” the bond refund, which is risky for the others.

2. Splitting the Rent (The Bedroom Math)

Do not just divide the total rent by the number of people. A person with an ensuite and balcony should pay more than the person in the box room with no window.

Methods:

Square Metre Split: Calculate the cost per square metre.
The ‘Bidding’ System: Start with equal rent. Ask “Who wants the small room for $200?”. If no one, drop it to $190 and raise the big room to $210. Repeat until everyone is happy with their room/price combo.

3. Buying Furniture (The Fridge Dilemma)

You need a fridge, washing machine, and microwave. Who pays?

Option A: Bring Your Own

“Sarah brings the fridge, Tom brings the washing machine.”

Pros: Free upfront.
Cons: When Sarah moves out, she takes the fridge, and the flat is left scrambling.

Option B: The “Flat Account” Buy

Everyone chips in $100 to buy a second-hand fridge.

The Exit Strategy: When someone moves out, the incoming flatmate “buys them out” of their share of the fridge.
- Example: Tom leaves. Comparison value of fridge is now $200. New flatmate Dave pays Tom $50 for his quarter share.

4. Food and Bills

Power/Internet: Split evenly by person (Headcount).
Food: Do not share food costs unless you are a couple or very disciplined. It always causes arguments (“I eat toast, you eat steak!”). Buy your own groceries; share staples like toilet paper and dishwashing liquid via a “Flat Kitty” ($5/week each).

5. What if Someone Leaves Early?

If a flatmate leaves 6 months into a 12-month lease:

Rent: They are responsible for paying rent until a replacement is found.
Bond: They fill out a “Change of Tenant” form. The new person pays the old person their share of the bond directly. Do NOT touch the lodged bond at Tenancy Services.

Summary Checklist for a Harmony Flat

Bond: Split Equal.
Rent: Split by Room Value.
Bills: Split by Headcount.
Furniture: Buy solo, or have a clear buyout rule.

Need to work out the totals per person? Our calculator has a specific “Tenants” input to split the total upfront cost automatically.

Split Your Flat Costs Now →