Tenancy Bond Rules in NZ — Max & Refunds (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?
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 Tenancy Services (a neutral government holder) within 23 working days of receiving it. It is unlawful for a landlord to keep the bond in their own account.
At the end of the tenancy, the bond is refunded. Deductions (for genuine damage beyond fair wear and tear, or rent arrears) need your agreement or a Tenancy Tribunal order — a landlord can't simply withhold it. If there's a dispute, you apply to the Tribunal, which decides who gets what.
When does it apply?
- You paid a bond at the start of a tenancy.
- Your bond wasn't lodged with Tenancy Services.
- Your landlord is withholding some or all of your bond at the end.
What to do about your bond
- Check your bond is lodged with Tenancy Services (you'll get confirmation).
- Do a careful exit inspection with photos to counter unfair deductions.
- Use the online bond-refund process; if the landlord disputes it, apply to the Tribunal.
- Call Tenancy Services (0800 836 262) for help.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't let the landlord hold the bond privately — it must go to Tenancy Services.
- Don't pay more than 4 weeks' rent as bond.
- Don't agree to deductions for fair wear and tear — that's not chargeable.
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 bond rules and refunds right in New Zealand?
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 Tenancy Services (a neutral government holder) within 23 working days of receiving it. It is unlawful for a landlord to keep the bond in their own account.At the end of the tenancy, the bond is refunded. Deductions (for genuine damage beyond fair wear and tear, or rent arrears) need your agreement or a Tenancy Tribunal order — a landlord can't simply withhold it. If there's a dispute, you apply to the...
When does it apply — bond rules and refunds?
You paid a bond at the start of a tenancy.Your bond wasn't lodged with Tenancy Services.Your landlord is withholding some or all of your bond at the end.
How much bond can a landlord charge in New Zealand?
Check your bond is lodged with Tenancy Services (you'll get confirmation).Do a careful exit inspection with photos to counter unfair deductions.Use the online bond-refund process; if the landlord disputes it, apply to the Tribunal.Call Tenancy Services (0800 836 262) for help.
What should you NOT do — bond rules and refunds?
Don't let the landlord hold the bond privately — it must go to Tenancy Services.Don't pay more than 4 weeks' rent as bond.Don't agree to deductions for fair wear and tear — that's not chargeable.