Housing Rights
Bonds, ending a tenancy, the Tenancy Tribunal, Healthy Homes Standards, rent increases, and repairs for renters in New Zealand.
Covered in this guide:
Renting in New Zealand is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (RTA), with the major 2024 amendments changing notice rules from 30 January 2025. Bonds (max 4 weeks' rent) are held by Tenancy Services, not the landlord. Most disputes go to the Tenancy Tribunal (up to $100,000). All private rentals must meet the Healthy Homes Standards (in force since 1 July 2025). Rent can rise only once every 12 months with 60 days' notice.
Tenancy Services: 0800 836 262. Citizens Advice Bureau: 0800 367 222.
Key Laws
Residential Tenancies Act 1986
Public Act 1986 No 120; ss 18–22A, 24–24C, 45, 51, 77
Core landlord/tenant law: bonds, rent increases, repairs, terminations, and the Tenancy Tribunal.
Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024
Public Act 2024; notice changes from 30 January 2025
Reintroduced no-cause terminations with 90 days' notice and 42-day specified-ground notices.
Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) Regulations 2019
LI 2019/88
Minimum heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture/drainage and draught-stopping standards.
Bond Rules and Refunds
A bond is security against damage or unpaid rent — but it stays your money. Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, a bond can be no more than 4 weeks' rent, and the landlord must lodge it with Tena...
Ending a Tenancy and Notice Periods
The 2024 amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 changed how tenancies end, effective 30 January 2025. For a periodic tenancy, a landlord can now give 90 days' notice without giving a reason,...
Filing a Tenancy Tribunal Claim
The Tenancy Tribunal resolves disputes between landlords and tenants quickly and cheaply — bond disputes, unpaid rent, repairs, unlawful actions and possession. Under section 77 of the Residential Ten...
Healthy Homes Standards
The Healthy Homes Standards set minimum requirements that every private rental must meet — a fixed heating source able to warm the main living room, insulation, ventilation (extractor fans, openable w...
Rent Increases
Your landlord can't raise the rent whenever they like. Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, rent can be increased no more than once every 12 months, and the landlord must give at least 60 days' w...
Repairs and Maintenance
Under section 45 of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, your landlord must provide and maintain the premises in a reasonable state of repair and comply with building, health and safety requirements (a...
Pets in Rentals
The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 created new pet rules, in force from 1 December 2025, which insert a pet-bond regime (new s 18AA) into the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. A tenant can kee...