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Student Accommodation FAQ

Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation
Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about living at Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation? Find out everything you need to know about our student housing options by checking out our most frequently asked questions. Whether you’re unsure about moving logistics, living costs, leases, or another aspect about of living in UniLodge student apartments, these questions include all the essential information you’ll need before moving in. If you have a question that you don't see answered, feel free to contact us directly.

What is the property complaint process?

Please see your residential handbook, also located on this website for details of this process covering both AUT and non-AUT students. Please note Non-AUT students are subject to the Residential tenancies Act 1986.

Where can I find more information about accommodation?

Answers to most of your questions can be found here.

UniLodge Vision, Mission and Values

Our Vision, Mission and Values can be found here.

How and when is rent payable?

Each resident will be given access to the residents’ portal when you check in.  You can pay your rent via this portal, via bank transfer, or make payment at reception with a debit or credit card.  Please note your rent is payable a week in advance.

What should I do prior to my departure from Mayoral Drive student accommodation?

You need to clean your room and leave it empty for the departure inspection.  Please make sure that you take all your belongings and provide reception with a forwarding address in case we still receive some mail or parcels after you have left.  Once you are happy that your room is clean, and that you have removed all your belongings, you can hand in your room key at reception.

When will I get my security bond back?

Once you have vacated your room and handed your key back, a departure inspection will be done.  If anything is damaged, broken or missing, you may be charged for it to be fixed or replaced.  The cost for this will be deducted from your security bond, and once the room is restored to a good condition, and all the repairs have been settled, the rest of your security bond will be paid back to you.  If there is nothing wrong with the room, and it is left in a very clean and tidy state, the refund of your full security bond will be processed and paid back to you.
 

If I forget some items in my room when I checked out, can I still get it back later?

If you have checked out and forgot some items in your room, please send an email as soon as possible to mayoraldrive@unilodgex.co.nz to inform us about it, and we will do all possible to return your items to you.  Any items left behind after your departure without any communication from yourself will be removed and disposed of.

Can I get any boxes from reception to back my belongings when moving out?

We do not have any boxes at reception, but we suggest you ask your local supermarket, as they have loads and are happy for students to take some.

Can I extend my stay for a few days?

To extend your stay, please forward an email request to mayoraldrive@unilodge.co.nz, and we will check availability and get back to you within 24 hours of receiving your request.
 

Can I store my items in my room or somewhere at Mayoral Drive after I have checked out?

Unfortunately, no items can be stored in your room once you have checked out.  However, should you need to store your luggage for up to 24 hours, arrangements can be made prior to your departure.  Please forward reception a request to store your language at mayoraldrive@unilodge.co.nz
 

Do I need to be a student of AUT to live at this property?

No. Students from any education institution are welcome. 

Can I receive mail and packages whilst staying the property?

Yes, you can, we will forward you an email to inform you that you have a parcel waiting for you at reception.  For letters we kindly ask you to pop by Reception and check if there is something for you in your mailbox.  Please remember that you would need to produce your ID to collect your packages.

Do I have to pay all my rent upfront?

No, however, to secure an apartment, the Tenant must pay a Security Deposit / Bond of 4 weeks rent, and your first weeks rent needs to be paid before you check in.
 

Are the rooms serviced?

The rooms are not serviced, you are responsible for the cleaning of your own room.  We do have vacuum cleaners at reception which can be hired between 8:30 am and 21:30pm daily, for 30 minutes at a time.  

Is there an application fee?

Yes, an application fee of $150.00 NZ is payable on confirmation/acceptance of your offer of accommodation.

Is car parking available?

There is no car parking available at Mayoral Drive Student accommodation, but there are various Wilson Carparks in the area within a couple of minutes’ walking distance.  
 

What electricity cost am I responsible for?

Electricity, Gas and Water costs are included in the rent and payable by the landlord.

Do I need to organise my own content insurance?

Yes. This is not included in your rental payments.

Can I have an extra guest stay over?

There is no charge to have an extra guest for a maximum of 3 nights. 

Do I need a mattress protector?

No, mattress protectors are provided in the studio apartments.  However, should you need to these are charged at $15 per single and $20 per double bed.

How do I secure an apartment?

Your apartment will be secured once you have signed your accommodation agreement, and paid your security bond, administration fee and student life fee.

Are meals provided?

We do not provide catering. Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation is self-catered. We do however have a variety of small meals available in our vending machines located on the common room.

Are there any bicycle bay or storage available?

There is a bike storage located in the basement level, near reception.  Only students who informed reception that they have a bicycle will have access to this room, with a swipe key card.
 

If I wanted to break my lease, what are the costs associated with this?

The cost is 6 weeks rent.

Is there a cancellation fee once I have secured an apartment?

Yes, there is a cancelation fee of 6 weeks rent.
 

If my visa is not approved do, I still have to pay?

If you were not successful in receiving a visa to study in New Zealand before the commencement of your lease start date, we ask that you write an email requesting cancellation, which must be submitted to the property at which your booking is held within 24 hours of you receiving notification from the Department of Home Affairs, along with the email from the Department of Home Affairs advising your refusal notice to study in New Zealand. You will then be formally advised that your lease agreement will then be cancelled without penalty.

For full terms and conditions please view here.
 

What hours is reception open?

Reception is open 24/7.  
 

Are under 18's accepted at this property?

You must be 18 and above to reside at this property.

Where can I find resources to manage my health and wellbeing?

UniLodge has listed a number of resources on our Student Health and Wellbeing page.
 

Is there secure bike storage?

Bike storage is available for use located on level one of the North Tower, and accessible via your room key once you have registered for bike storage. 

Is there on-site staff?

Our on-site friendly customer service focused staff will be available offering general assistance, and pastoral care services – you will always have someone there for you.

Am I allowed to have visitors?

Yes, you are allowed to have visitors visiting you, however, no more that 5 visitors per room are allowed (this includes internal and external visitors).

Further Resident Information

The Resident Handbook is designed to help you to get to know the building and familiarise yourself with your rights and responsibilities as a resident. We hope that this Handbook will prove useful to you in answering any questions you have, and in assisting you with the most common concerns that you may have.