to look for another house to rent. Money After you have signed the tenancy agreement, you will need to hand over money. Lots of money. This consists of: Agency Fee. If you found the house using a real estate agent you will pay them a fee. They usually charge you a sum of money equal to one week's rent. The bond. A landlord can ask you to pay up to four weeks rent as bond. Two weeks rent is more normal. By law, the landlord has to deposit your bond with the Bond Centre at the Ministry of Housing. He has 23 days to do this. Receipts are sent to both you and the landlord. Put your receipt somewhere safe! After you have moved out, you need your receipt to claim your money back from the Bond Centre. (You will get all your bond money back, provided you don't damage the house you are renting.) Advance Rent. Rent is usually paid fortnightly. The landlord may ask for up to two weeks' rent in advance. Adding it all up. Let's say you're found a flat to rent for $350 per week. What might you have to pay up front? Adding it all up Item Possible Cost Agency Fee $350 Bond -- Assume max. bond of 4 weeks' rent $1,400 Rent in advance $700 TOTAL $2,450 So it might cost you as much as $2,450 before you can move your $350 per week rental. Be prepared for this cost. Alternatively, if you