> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.ratemyflat.co.nz/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Verified vs unverified reviews

> How verified and unverified reviews differ — and why one carries more weight.

ratemyflat distinguishes between verified and unverified reviews so the Healthy Homes Score reflects evidence-backed experience, not just opinion. Both kinds are visible on the home's profile; verified ones simply count for more.

```mermaid theme={null}
flowchart LR
    subgraph V [Verified review]
        direction TB
        V1[Verified review ✓]
        V2[Confirmed by tenancy document]
    end

    subgraph U [Unverified review]
        direction TB
        U1[Unverified review]
        U2[Self-reported only]
    end

    V --- Result((Both visible on the home profile))
    U --- Result

    style V1 fill:#059669,color:#fff,stroke-width:0px
    style U1 fill:#64748b,color:#fff,stroke-width:0px
    style V fill:#ecfdf5,stroke:#059669
    style U fill:#f1f5f9,stroke:#94a3b8
```

## What is a verified review?

A verified review is one where the tenant has uploaded evidence proving they lived in the home. Accepted evidence includes:

* A signed tenancy agreement.
* A bond lodgement or refund form.
* A utility bill in their name at that address.
* A letter from a property manager or landlord.

Once the verification team confirms the document is legitimate, the review receives a **Verified** badge.

## Why verification matters

A verified badge means the feedback comes from someone who actually lived there — dealt with the heating in winter, the bathroom ventilation, the noise from the street.

### Impact on scores

Verified reviews carry more weight in the Healthy Homes Score than unverified ones. So evidence-backed feedback has the largest hand in shaping a home's reputation — which is what makes the score useful to the next person looking.

```mermaid theme={null}
graph LR
    A[Verified review<br/>Document uploaded] -- "Stronger influence on score" --> C{Healthy Homes Score}
    B[Unverified review<br/>Self-reported] -- "Standard influence" --> C

    style A fill:#ecfdf5,stroke:#059669,stroke-width:2px
    style B fill:#f9fafb,stroke:#9ca3af,stroke-width:1px
    style C fill:#2D2436,color:#fff,stroke-width:2px

    linkStyle 0 stroke:#059669,stroke-width:4px
    linkStyle 1 stroke:#9ca3af,stroke-width:2px
```

## Unverified reviews

Unverified reviews are still useful and stay public on the home's profile. They just have less impact on the overall score because the relationship to the home hasn't been confirmed. When researching a home, look for the Verified badge.

## How to verify your review

<Steps>
  1. **Submit your review:** Rate the home and share your experience.
  2. **Upload evidence:** From **My Homes**, open the home and upload a verification document.
  3. **Review process:** The verification team checks the document against your tenancy claim.
  4. **Badge awarded:** Once approved, your review carries the Verified badge and counts for more in the home's score.
</Steps>

[Sign up to contribute reviews and verify the homes you've lived in](/tenants/verifying-your-tenancy).