A plain summary of how a residential tenancy works in New Zealand and what to expect while you are renting a property we manage.
This page is general information, not legal advice, and the rules change from time to time. Tenancy Services, part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, is the authority on tenancy law in New Zealand and publishes the current requirements, notice periods and forms. If your situation is specific, check there or ask us.
A bond is money you pay at the start of the tenancy and it is held by Tenancy Services, not by us and not by the owner. It is lodged after it is paid and you are sent confirmation. At the end of the tenancy it is refunded to you unless there is a claim against it, for example for rent owing or for damage beyond fair wear and tear. Keep your bond number and your copy of the condition report, because both matter if a claim is ever made.
Rent is paid in advance on the day set out in your tenancy agreement, by the method recorded there. If your circumstances change and you are going to be short, tell us before the payment is missed rather than after, because arrears are far easier to sort out early. Rent can only be increased in the way the Residential Tenancies Act allows, and any increase must be given to you in writing with proper notice.
We inspect the property routinely through the tenancy. You will be given written notice beforehand, in line with the Residential Tenancies Act, and you are welcome to be there. An inspection is a condition check on the building, not a judgement on your housekeeping, and it is often how a maintenance problem gets picked up before it becomes serious. A written report with photographs goes to the owner afterwards.
The Healthy Homes standards set minimum requirements for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage, and draught stopping in rental properties. A compliance statement for the property is held on file and should be attached to your tenancy agreement. If you think something covered by the standards is not working properly, such as the heater in the main living room or an extractor fan, log a maintenance request so it can be looked at.
How a tenancy ends depends on whether it is fixed term or periodic, and notice has to be given in writing in the form and timeframe the Residential Tenancies Act requires. Tell us as early as you can so we can confirm what applies to your agreement, arrange the final inspection and explain how the bond refund works. Leave the property clean and clear, and compare it against the condition report from when you moved in.
Something not covered here? Call the Nexus office on 07 839 2222 or ask us through the contact page.
