NZ landlord guides

Rent can only be increased once every 12 months, and you must give at least 60 days' written notice. There is no legal cap on how much you can increase it, but your tenant can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal if the new rent is substantially above market rent for comparable properties.

If rent is 21 days or more overdue, you can issue a 14-day notice to remedy. If the tenant still doesn't pay after 14 days, you can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for a termination order and an order for the unpaid amount. Keep records of all missed payments and communication.

No. Letting fees charged to tenants were banned in December 2018. You also cannot require tenants to pay for background or credit checks. These costs must be covered by the landlord.

Landlords must give 90 days' notice to end a periodic tenancy without cause. Shorter notice of 63 days applies if the owner or a family member is moving in, the property is needed for employee housing, or there is an unconditional agreement for sale requiring vacant possession.

Tenants must give at least 28 days' notice to end a periodic tenancy, with no reason required.

A fixed-term tenancy can only end early if both parties agree in writing, or if the Tenancy Tribunal grants an order due to a serious breach. At the end of the fixed term, either party can give notice to end the tenancy during the "effective period" -- between 90 and 21 days before the end date. No reason is required (for tenancies ending on or after 1 May 2025). If no notice is given, the tenancy automatically converts to periodic. Short fixed terms (90 days or less) end automatically without notice required.

You may inspect a property no more than once every four weeks. You must give at least 48 hours' written notice, and the inspection must take place between 8am and 7pm. The tenant should be given a reasonable opportunity to be present.

Only in a genuine emergency. For all other reasons (repairs, inspections, showing to prospective tenants), you must give proper notice: 24 hours for repairs and maintenance, 48 hours for inspections. Entry must be between 8am and 7pm.

Landlords must maintain the property in a reasonable state of repair at all times. Urgent repairs (no water, no power, flooding, broken locks) should be addressed immediately. Failure to maintain the property can result in Tenancy Tribunal orders, penalties, and potentially rent reduction.

All rental properties must meet minimum standards for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage, and draught stopping. Compliance is required within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to $7,200 per breach, payable to the tenant.

Since 1 December 2025, tenants have the right to request a pet. Landlords can only refuse on reasonable grounds and must respond within 21 days. Blanket "no pets" clauses are no longer enforceable. Landlords can charge a pet bond of up to 2 weeks' rent (in addition to the general bond). Tenants are fully liable for any pet damage beyond fair wear and tear. Refusing a pet without reasonable grounds can result in penalties of up to $1,500.

The bond is lodged with Tenancy Services within 23 working days of receipt. At the end of the tenancy, both parties must agree on how it is refunded. If there is a dispute, either party can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for a ruling. Deductions can only be made for unpaid rent, damage beyond fair wear and tear, or other agreed costs.

Tenants are liable for careless damage up to 4 weeks' rent or the landlord's insurance excess (whichever is lower). For intentional damage or damage from an imprisonable offence, the tenant is liable for the full cost. Damage caused by pets is the tenant's full responsibility. Normal wear and tear is not damage.