Make sure you get a property condition report off the landlord or agent. Usually it's already filled in, but you're entitled to check it and make corrections. If you don't receive a report, fill in your own and get a copy of it back to the other party as soon as possible. If the owner won't sign your version, get an independent person to do so. But diplomacy's the way to go - you'll experience fewer hassles if you keep up good relations with the other party.
Rent increases are a no-no in fixed term leases, unless it's in the agreement.
For complete information about the laws on renting, check out the Ministry of Fair Trading's detailed info on tenancy . Tenants who break their lease can be asked to pay for the cost of advertising for a new occupant, plus the amount of rent until the new people move in. If you lose your job, get transferred or something like that, sometimes nice landlords will let you off the hook, but don't count on it. Ending a tenancy's easier if you can plan your life for at least the tenancy's full-term. Getting your bond back Bond money has to be lodged either with the Bond Administrator at the Ministry of Fair Trading, or with an authorised financial institution.