Rental Repairs & Maintenance in NZ — Your Rights (2026)
About this article
Sourced from New Zealand Acts of Parliament (legislation.govt.nz), regulations, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
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 (and the Healthy Homes Standards). You, in turn, must keep the place reasonably clean and not cause intentional or careless damage.
If something needs fixing, you ask the landlord in writing. For urgent repairs (like a burst pipe or no hot water), if the landlord can't be reached or doesn't act, you may be able to arrange the repair and seek reimbursement — but follow the proper steps. If the landlord won't carry out necessary repairs, you can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for an order requiring the work, a rent reduction, or compensation. A landlord must give at least 24 hours' notice before entering for non-urgent inspections or repairs.
When does it apply?
- Your rental needs repairs the landlord is responsible for.
- There's an urgent problem (water, heating, safety) and the landlord isn't responding.
- The landlord enters without proper notice.
What to do if repairs aren't being done
- Report the repair in writing and keep a record.
- For urgent repairs, follow the proper process before arranging work yourself.
- Apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for a repair order if ignored.
- Insist on 24 hours' notice before non-urgent entry.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't withhold rent to force repairs — apply to the Tribunal instead.
- Don't do major repairs yourself without following the urgent-repair rules.
- Don't allow entry without proper notice for non-urgent visits.
About Housing Rights in New Zealand
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.
Common Questions
What is the repairs and maintenance right in New Zealand?
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 (and the Healthy Homes Standards). You, in turn, must keep the place reasonably clean and not cause intentional or careless damage.If something needs fixing, you ask the landlord in writing. For urgent repairs (like a burst pipe or no hot water), if the landlord can't be reached or doesn't act, you may be able to arrange the repair and seek reimbursement — but follow the proper steps. If the landlor...
When does it apply — repairs and maintenance?
Your rental needs repairs the landlord is responsible for.There's an urgent problem (water, heating, safety) and the landlord isn't responding.The landlord enters without proper notice.
Does my landlord have to do repairs in New Zealand?
Report the repair in writing and keep a record.For urgent repairs, follow the proper process before arranging work yourself.Apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for a repair order if ignored.Insist on 24 hours' notice before non-urgent entry.
What should you NOT do — repairs and maintenance?
Don't withhold rent to force repairs — apply to the Tribunal instead.Don't do major repairs yourself without following the urgent-repair rules.Don't allow entry without proper notice for non-urgent visits.