How to get better broadband if you're renting

If you're a tenant, there's no reason why you can't enjoy a fast, reliable internet connection that lets everyone do what they want to do online, without any delays or frustrations - and without breaking the bank.

Fibre is the best type of broadband connection you can get in New Zealand, but it’s not available everywhere just yet. So to start, head to the Chorus Broadband Checker, enter the property address and you'll be able to see whether fibre is available.

It's particularly important to look for properties with fibre broadband if you spend a lot of time online - streaming videos and games, or uploading and downloading content. All of this activity can be a major drain on slower connection types.

Tips: 

• ‘Internet availability’ is often now a property feature included on rental property listings on sites such as realestate.co.nz. It’s a good idea to verify this with your own search on the Chorus Broadband Checker.

• If fibre’s not available, consider VDSL – the fastest broadband available on our copper network.

If you can get fibre, great! But don't forget, you'll need your landlord's written or verbal permission before you can get fibre installed. If you don't, you could end up breaching your tenancy agreement and forfeiting your bond.

Looking to ‘sell’ your landlord on the idea? Here’s how you can convince them to get fibre installed:

• A property with fibre is more valuable in terms of attracting future tenants, and when it comes time to sell.

• In most instances, fibre is free to get installed, and shouldn’t be any cost to the landlord.

• The landlord won’t need to be on site to deal with the installation unless they choose to be. The tenant will organise a time for the technician to come and work out the install plan and be on hand to deal with the install (should the landlord choose not to be).

Once you’ve got your landlords permission to get fibre installed, the next step is to contact your preferred broadband provider and order a fibre plan. A monthly fibre plan costs roughly the same as a family trip to the movies, so your entertainment budget will go a lot further if you make the switch.. 

For the best online and streaming experience, you'll want a plan with speeds of 100Mbps or more, and unlimited data. If you want to make sure you've got more than enough speed to handle anything and everything, opt for a gigabit fibre plan - the fastest option on the market. Handy sites like Broadband Compare and Glimp provide a comparison of current plans on offer.

When you order your fibre plan, your broadband provider will pass your order on to us to organise your fibre installation appointment. 

Remember, you'll need to be there for the appointment, but if your landlord wants to come along, you’ll need to make sure to schedule a time that works for them as well. Find our more information on the fibre installation process.