The best broadband plans for renters

The best broadband plans for renters
Monday, 18 January 2021

Whether you rent or own your home – a reliable and affordable broadband connection is vital.

And good news is on the horizon for Kiwi renters – changes to New Zealand Tenancy laws will make it easier to install Fibre broadband in rental properties. Tenants can request to install fibre broadband, and landlords must agree if it can be installed at no cost to them, unless specific exemptions apply. The changes come into effect on 11 February 2021.

If you live in a shared flat then a good broadband connection that doesn’t fluctuate or buffer when more people connect is likely to be essential to a harmonious shared flat!

Each flat is likely to have a unique set of requirements for your broadband. If you live in a large shared flat you are likely to want a super-fast unlimited plan for multiple streamers and gamers. But if you are renting while you save to buy, you are likely to want the cheapest plan available to keep costs low.

What should I keep in mind when choosing a broadband plan for my flat?

Availability – what’s available where you live?

Your best broadband plan will depend on what’s available at your new address and whether Fibre, copper, wireless or satellite is available. Simply enter your address into our address finder for a tailored list of broadband plans available.

A minority of renters may find themselves in a situation where fibre is available in their area, but not installed in their rental home. Fortunately, recent changes to the Residential Tenancies Act mean that Tenants can request to install fibre broadband, and landlords must agree if it can be installed at no cost to them, unless specific exemptions apply. 

If you can’t get consent to install fibre, you may need to consider an alternative connection type like ADSL or VDSL, or wireless internet.

Check your address

Contract length

Signing up for a 12-24 month contract can be a great way to get a low monthly rate for your broadband, but you often have to pay an expensive cancellation fee if you want to cancel the contract early. If you don’t have a 12-month tenancy at your rental property then a no-contract plan can be a good way to avoid cancellation fees if you have to move.

Add-on or perks

When comparing broadband plans, it is worth looking at any free inclusions or add-ones. These may include free months, joining credit, a free router, a free wifi extender, free mobile plan, or free access to streaming platforms.

Cost per month vs cost per year

It has become increasingly common for broadband companies to try to entice new customers with plans that include free or discounted months. For example, pay nothing for the first 3 or 4 months, or pay a lower rate for the first 6 months, then revert to a higher ‘standard’ monthly rate. This can make comparisons a bit more complicated as you need to compare low introductory rates and then the higher rate. 

It can help to compare the cost per year rather than the cost per month if you are signing up for a 12 or 24-month plan. This can help ensure that you are getting a good deal across the lifespan of your contract. 

Comparing the cost per year is simple when comparing with Broadband Compare. Enter the address in the address finder to view a list of plans available at your address. Then use the menu on the top right to change from “price per month” to “price per year” or “price per two years”.

Additional costs

Additional costs on your broadband plan may include a connection fee, termination fee, router rental or delivery, or additional homeline fee. 

Speed matters

The best broadband speed for your flat will depend on how many flatmates you have, how you use the internet, and what’s available in your area.

Are you in a large shared flat, with multiple people gaming, streaming content and surfing the net at the same time? Or is there just a couple of you streaming Netflix occasionally, and browsing the net? Here’s a comparison of how different broadband speeds shape up in real life.

Fibre broadband speeds will offer the fastest consistent connections speeds and should be considered a first choice for most people. If that’s not available VDSL connections are usually the next fastest, followed by ADSL broadband.

VDSL and ADSL broadband connections run over existing copper phone lines. The connection speed you receive will depend on how far from the exchange you are and how many other users are connected during peak times. If you are frustrated with your copper broadband speeds, you may be surprised to learn that Wireless or 4G broadband can perform as quickly as fibre in some areas.

Bundling power and broadband

Who wants to deal with flat admin? Bundling your power and broadband with one provider is a great way to streamline your flat admin. It means you only have one provider, one billing cycle and one point of contact for both services.


Cheapest broadband plans for flats on a budget

EXCLUSIVE
62

Unlimited Fibre 300 Sign up to WIN 1 of 3 $500 Prezzy C...

from $65.00 /mo
First 12 months then 97.00/month
300Mbps 100Mbps
Unlimited data
EXCLUSIVE
62

Unlimited Fibre 300 Sign up to WIN 1 of 3 $500 Prezzy C...

Sign up to Slingshot's 300Mbps Unlimited Fibre Plan and pay ONLY $65/month PLUS go into WIN 1 of 3 $500 Prezzy Cards this month! *Offer ends April 1st, 2024. New customers only. T&Cs apply. Sign up o...
Terms and Conditions apply

Full plan details

Contract options

12 months

Included features

Family filter

Terms and conditions

  • Offer is available to new customers only.
  • A minimum 12-month contract applies. Early Termination fee of $250 applies.
  • Not available in conjunction with any other offer. 
  • Offer will revert to standard prices as advertised on Slingshot.co.nz after 12 months.
  • The promotion is valid for a limited time only and is subject to change by Slingshot without notice.
  • Free standard installation.
  • Brand new Orbi Wi-Fi 6 Router is $5/month rental with a one-off $14.95 delivery charge or Bring your own device.
  • Additional add on MESH Satellite units:​
    • 1 Satellite Unit ($5/month) - recommended for homes between 150 and 300sqm
    • 2 Satellite Units ($10/month) - recommended for homes greater than 300sqm
  • Modem to be returned if customer cancels.
  • Refer to the Slingshot website for more FAQ`s regarding modems.
  • Receive $5/m broadband discount for each mobile plan added - no more than 4 mobile plans on the new sign-up are allowed.

Slingshot Broadband Ts&Cs
Bundle Discount Terms & Conditions

EXCLUSIVE
52

Unlimited Fibre 300 Deal Get 6 months HALF PRICE

from $47.50 /mo
First 6 months then 95.00/month
300Mbps 100Mbps
Unlimited data
EXCLUSIVE
52

Unlimited Fibre 300 Deal Get 6 months HALF PRICE

Here’s your chance to join New Zealand’s most Satisfied Broadband Customers on Now broadband. $47.50/m for six months then standard pricing of $95/m applies. Fibre 300 only. 12-month term. T&Cs apply....
Terms and Conditions apply

Full plan details

Contract options

12 months

Terms and conditions

Naked Unlimited Broadband with six months half price.

1. This offer ends 30th June 2024

2. Only available for new residential customers only.

3. Offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

4. Adding a phoneline to any plan or offer will be an additional $10 per month.

5. This offer is only available on a 12-month contract term and includes unlimited ADSL, VDSL and Fibre 300/100.

6. Promotional pricing is valid for 6-months only, beginning on the date which your service address is connected on the Now network. After the first 6-months, the standard plan pricing for your selected plan will apply.

7. You can use your own modem, but this must be compatible with the selected Now network. For more information, please refer to https://www.nownz.co.nz/support/technical-support/routerhelp/use-my-router/

8. A Modem can also be purchased with a one-off charge applied to your 1st invoice, alternatively you can split the cost of the Modem into 12 instalments included on your monthly bill. Please note: $14 postage and packaging fee applies for modem delivery.

9. An early termination fee ($199) will apply if you cancel this service prior to the first 12 months after joining. 

EXCLUSIVE
44

Unlimited Fibre 300 Get $22 off your standard price for...

from $75.00 /mo
First 12 months then 97.00/month
300Mbps 100Mbps
Unlimited data
EXCLUSIVE
44

Unlimited Fibre 300 Get $22 off your standard price for...

Sign up for the Orcon Fibre plan through Broadband Compare and get $22 monthly discount for 12 months! Bundle your broadband and power and get 10% bundle discount on both services. Get $5/mth off for
Terms and Conditions apply

Full plan details

Contract options

12 months

Terms and conditions

  • 12-month term applies to all plans, exit fees of $250 apply.
  • Standard pricing applies after 12 months.
  • **Average Orcon Fibre plan (Fibre 100 or Fibre 300, depending on location) or Fibre Pro plan (Fibre Max) download/upload speeds with compatible modem at busy times (SamKnows December 2021 or Orcon November 2021). Experienced speeds may be higher or lower. For more information on how we measure speeds visits.(SamKnows December 2021)  More info
  • An extra 10% discount applies for Power and Broadband Bundles. The 10% discount is applied after all other offers. 

Full T&Cs's

Bundled broadband plans for renters

Power+Gas
53

Fast Fibre Power+Gas Deal Bundle your energy & broadband!

from $70.00 /mo
300Mbps 100Mbps
Unlimited data
Power+Gas
53

Fast Fibre Power+Gas Deal Bundle your energy & broadband!

Get Fibre 300 plan for $70/mth when you bundle Broadband + Power + Gas! T&C's apply.
Terms and Conditions apply

Full plan details

Contract options

open term

Included features

Power / Rental router / Gas

Terms and conditions

  • Available on the Broadband Bundle plan only, to new and existing customers (not on a fixed plan).
  • Unlimited data, no fixed term, no break fees.
  • Bring Your Own (BYO) modem or you can order one ($14.99 delivery fee applies)
  • Speeds may vary. 
  • Subject to a satisfactory credit check.
  • Full Residential Terms & Conditions.

No contract broadband plans for renters

Mobile Bundle
54

Fibre 300 Bundle Get $20/month off plus One NZ Super...

from $75.00 /mo
300Mbps 100Mbps
Unlimited data
Mobile Bundle
54

Fibre 300 Bundle Get $20/month off plus One NZ Super...

Get $10/mth off for the life of the plan when you sign up for an eligible Unlimited broadband plan. Plus, bundle your broadband and One NZ Pay Monthly mobile plan and get an extra $10/mth off! Also,
Terms and Conditions apply

Full plan details

Contract options

open term

Included features

BYO Router / Mobile / WiFi Extender

Terms and conditions

Broadband: 
Broadband not available everywhere. Residential use only. Non-standard installation charges may apply. Terms apply.
 

SuperWifi Offer:

  • Sign up to Unlimited Broadband, or Wireless Broadband 600GB 12 month term plan, to redeem your SuperWifi units.
  • Wall-to-wall Wifi guaranteed or get $100 broadband credit within 90 days of redemption.
  • Guarantee and $100 credit only available to residential customers.
  • 24-month term applies to SuperWifi. Fees apply if you cancel or transfer your plan or billing account within 24 months. 
  • TP-link Deco App required. Coverage can be impacted by factors such as network conditions and environmental factors.
  • Offer may be amended or withdrawn by Vodafone at any time.
  • SuperWifi terms apply


$10 Per Month For life of plan

  • Offer only available to new customers, when signing onto a 12 month or open term Unlimited or Ultimate Home broadband Fibre100, FibreMax, VDSL, ADSL or HFC Max plan. Or who sign onto a 12 month 4G Wireless broadband 300GB, 600GB or unlimited 4G broadband or 5G broadband plan.
  • Only applies to the standard monthly plan charge.
  • Not available with other offers. 
  • Offer may be withdrawn at anytime.
  • Full Promotional Terms and Conditions

BYO Modem offer - open term plans:

  • Only available on One NZ open term Unlimited Fibre, VDSL and ADSL broadband plans.
  • To see what modem compatibility is required, click here.
  • Voice calling over broadband (VoIP) only available on One NZ Ultra Hub range, HG659 or newer One NZ modems.
  • Broadband speeds and connection quality may be affected.
  • BYO Modem T&C's
40

Fibre 300

from $82.00 /mo
300Mbps 100Mbps
Unlimited data
40

Fibre 300

Take your internet to the next level by renting a high performance ASUS WiFi 6 router. Improve your in-home experience and enjoy no fixed contracts or early termination fees.
Terms and Conditions apply

Full plan details

Contract options

open term

Included features

BYO Router

Terms and conditions

  • Offers are for new residential customers only.
  • $14.95 P&H fee will be charged on all routers shipped to customers.
  • Take your internet to the next level by renting a high performance ASUS WiFi 6 router. Improve your in-home experience and enjoy no fixed contracts or early termination fees.
  • The monthly broadband service charge is subject to change with prior notice or your acceptance of a new offer. 
  • Unreturned router charge equivalent to the retail value of the router will be applied:
  • Full Promotional T&C’s 
Best Service
32

Fibre 300 No Contract Get NO CONTRACT

from $79.95 /mo
First 12 months then 95.00/month
300Mbps 100Mbps
Unlimited data
Best Service
32

Fibre 300 No Contract Get NO CONTRACT

Two-time award winners at the 2021 NZ Compare Awards for Best Customer Support and Provider of the Year! Only available for a limited time and exclusive to Broadband Compare.
Terms and Conditions apply

Full plan details

Contract options

open term

Terms and conditions

1. This offer ends 30th June 2024

2. Only available for new residential customers only.

3. Offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

4. Adding a phoneline to any plan or offer will be an additional $10 per month.

5. Includes unlimited ADSL, VDSL and Fibre 300/100.

6. Promotion pricing is valid for 12-months only, beginning on the date which your service address is connected on the Now network. After the first 12 months, the standard plan pricing for your selected plan will apply.

7. You can use your own modem, but this must be compatible with the selected NOW network. For more information, please refer to https://www.nownz.co.nz/support/technicalsupport/router-help/use-my-router/

8. A Modem can also be purchased with a one-off charge applied to your 1st invoice, alternatively you can split the cost of the Modem into 12 instalments included on your monthly bill. Please note: $14 postage and packaging fee applies for modem delivery.

9. Payment for this offer must be made via bank or credit card direct debit each month.

Broadband plans for large flats with gamers and streamers

Mobile Bundle
26

Ultimate Fibre + Mobile Bundle EXCLUSIVE 6 Months Amazon Prime Video for FRE...

from $74.00 /mo
950Mbps 500Mbps
Unlimited data
Mobile Bundle
26

Ultimate Fibre + Mobile Bundle EXCLUSIVE 6 Months Amazon Prime Video for FRE...

Sign up for a 12-month contract and get Unlimited Broadband for $79/m! Plus, get 6 months of Amazon Prime Video too. T&C's apply. Requires 2degrees Pay Monthly Mobile Plan. 12 month term applies. T&C'...
Terms and Conditions apply

Full plan details

Contract options

12 months

Included features

Mobile

Terms and conditions

Offer available for a limited time to new customers on a 12 month fixed Unlimited Broadband Plan only. Price includes $10/m Pay Monthly discount. Plan discount: Standard plan charge after 12 months. $15 rental modem shipping fee applies. Early exit fees apply if you end your plan within 12 months. Non-standard installation fees apply. Prime Video: Valid for 6 months after the date of activation. Offer subject to change. Cancel anytime. Amazon.com, Inc. and its affiliates are not sponsors of this promotion. Must activate within 30 days of receiving the activation link email. Prime Video is $8/month after the promotion period. Prime Video and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. 2degrees reserves the right to cancel or amend this offer at any time. Broadband and Promotion T&Cs apply. See 2degrees.nz for full T&Cs.

Best Wireless broadband plans for apartments

EXCLUSIVE
46

RBI 4G 200Gb Get a FREE modem + Get 3 months FRE...

from $0.00 /mo
First 3 months then 95.99/month
36Mbps 10Mbps
200 GB data
EXCLUSIVE
46

RBI 4G 200Gb Get a FREE modem + Get 3 months FRE...

Get a FREE modem and self-installation ($20 freight charge applies) + Get 3 months FREE! Sign up now on 0800 697 327. T&C's apply.
Terms and Conditions apply

Full plan details

Contract options

24 months

Included features

Rental router

Terms and conditions

  • Factors such as the performance of your modem, location of the server you're connected to, the performance of your device and your in-home Wifi setup can impact the speeds experienced.
  • For wireless connections, factors such as the distance you are from a cell tower, the network capability and the overall use of that cell tower by the other consumers can impact the speed experienced.
  • Plan prices exclude data cap overages of $5.00 per GB.
  • A 24 month service term applies. If you require an open term please contact Farmside sales team on 0800 697 327 to discuss open term options.
  • Farmside Broadband Terms and Conditions and Early Termination fees apply
    Farmside Standard Terms and Conditions and Fair Usage Policy applies
  • If power is not available then broadband, and any services which run over it including voice calling (and all calls, including emergency calls to 111), may stop working unless there is battery backup in the home.Farmside recommends always having a charged mobile phone ready to use as a backup.
  • Sufficient 4G coverage and capacity is also required. Traffic management and fair usage apply.
  • Services such as monitored alarms, faxes, medical alerts and Sky may not work over the Broadband and phone (VoIP) service. You will need to check with your supplier.

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3 Great Offers
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Unlimited Fibre Broadband from $70/m
Plus 6 months Prime Video free
Say whaaaaaaat!! Limited time only. 
T&Cs apply.
Unlimited Fibre Broadband from $70/m
Plus 6 months Prime Video free
Say whaaaaaaat!! Limited time only.
T&Cs apply.
Ears to a great Easter 
with 6 months half price! 🥚🐣🐰
Zeronet = Same internet, but better for the planet. They plant 5 trees for every customer.
Ears to a great Easter
with 6 months half price! 🥚🐣🐰
Zeronet = Same internet, but better for the planet. They plant 5 trees for every customer.
$89.95/m for 12 months, 
then standard pricing of 
$105/m applies. 12-month term. 
T&Cs apply. Offer closes 1 April 2024.
$89.95/m for 12 months,
then standard pricing of
$105/m applies. 12-month term. 
T&Cs apply. Offer closes 1 April 2024.