Hunk Unc: My flatmates are not nice people but I’m in a freaking one year tenancy with them. What. Do. I. Do???

Hunk unc!! My flatmates are not nice people but I’m in a freaking one year tenancy with them. What. Do. I. Do???

Right. Hunk Unc is putting his Unc Hunk pants on to answer this question, so expect fewer gym references and more actual advice today.

The first thing this Unc would suggest is going to the VUWSA Advocates. They’re a 100% confidential service run by the Student Union, and your fees pay for them, so you may as well make the most of it. They give advice to students in situations just like this and tailor it to your circumstances. They can look at your lease and give you independent, specific guidance (a lot more than I can do here with limited information). You can email them at advocate@vuwa.org.nz, or go to the VUWSA website and fill in the form under the “Advocacy” heading.

You can also call Tenancy Services on 0800 836 262. They can give you direct advice too, and they’re the experts—this is literally what they’re paid to do.

Now, you might be thinking: “Unc, I want advice from you, not other people—why are you redirecting me?” Because, young grasshoppers, part of growing up is knowing when to give advice and when to get help from people who know more than you. And these people? They know more than me.

But I can give you a bit of general guidance, and hopefully help anyone else in a similar situation.

First, check your lease. In NZ, there are two main types: periodic and fixed-term. Periodic tenancies roll over (usually weekly or monthly), and you can leave with notice. Fixed-term tenancies last for a set period, as stated in your contract. From what you’ve said, you’re likely on a fixed term, which unfortunately means you’re usually committed until either: a) the term ends, or b) you find someone to replace you on the lease.

Some leases have break clauses, but these often involve a fee and usually require agreement from all flatmates—not just you.

So, let’s talk about your (likely) situation: stuck in a one-year fixed-term lease with terrible flatmates. That’s rough, and I’m sorry you’re dealing with it.

Here are a few options you could consider:

1. Ask your flatmates if they know anyone who could take over your room (this does mean letting them know you want to leave).

2. Advertise your room on Vic Deals, “Flatmates Wanted Wellington,” and similar pages to find a replacement tenant.

3. Sublet your room until the end of the lease (personally, I wouldn’t recommend this—you’re still liable if things go wrong).

4. Stick it out, have a conversation with your flatmates, and try to set boundaries or improve the situation.

I can’t tell you which option is best because I don’t know the full picture—but again, that’s where the advocates come in.

Some things to think about: Have you tried talking to your flatmates and setting clear boundaries? Have you double-checked your lease and fully understood your tenancy type? Have you talked to friends or trusted people about what’s going on? Have you contacted Tenancy Services/VUWSA Advocates for advice?

In rare cases, you may be able to leave a fixed-term lease early—for example, in situations involving family violence—but this requires proper documentation and specific circumstances.

Listen, it’s a tough spot to be in, and I don’t envy you. The best thing you can do is reach out to others, get advice from people who know more than me, and look after yourself as best you can. It might also be worth asking some friends if you can crash at theirs for a night or two—just to clear your head and get a bit of space from a difficult situation.

If you’re ever feeling unsafe in your flat, it’s also worth contacting Te Herenga Waka’s Student Finance team. They can provide emergency hardship grants for students, which might help cover something like a motel stay or even temporary double rent if you need to get out quickly. That said, this support isn’t guaranteed, so it’s a good idea to book a consultation with one of their staff members first.