Tenancy Law in New Zealand

My landlord gave me notice to leave. Is it valid?

Check three things. The period: since 30 January 2025, a periodic tenancy can be ended with 90 days' notice with no reason given, or 42 days on specific grounds (owner or family moving in, unconditional sale needing vacant possession, employee housing). The form: notice must be written and properly served. The context: a notice given in retaliation for you asserting your rights can be challenged in the Tenancy Tribunal. Fixed-term tenancies can't be ended early by ordinary notice at all — they run their term unless a ground, agreement or Tribunal order says otherwise.

How do I get my bond back?

The bond (maximum four weeks' rent) sits with Tenancy Services, not the landlord. At the end of the tenancy both sides sign a bond refund form; if the landlord claims deductions you don't accept — for damage beyond fair wear and tear, or arrears — don't sign under pressure: either side can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal and a referee decides. Landlords who never lodged the bond at all have committed an unlawful act, which itself attracts exemplary damages.

Can my landlord refuse my pet?

Only on reasonable grounds, since 1 December 2025. You ask in writing; consent can carry reasonable conditions, including a pet bond of up to two weeks' rent (one per tenancy, on top of the normal bond), and you're responsible for all pet damage beyond fair wear and tear. A pet lawfully in the home before 1 December 2025 is protected — no new consent, conditions or pet bond can be required for it.

The house is cold, damp or broken and the landlord won't fix it. What can I do?

Landlords must maintain the premises and meet the healthy homes standards — heating capable of warming the main living area, insulation, ventilation, and moisture and drainage controls. Put the problem in writing; if nothing happens, serve a 14-day notice to remedy, and if it's still not fixed, apply to the Tenancy Tribunal, which can order the work, award compensation, and impose exemplary damages for unlawful acts. Urgent situations (no water, no power, dangerous faults) move faster — say so when you apply.

How often can my rent go up?

Once every 12 months at most, with proper written notice, and only if the tenancy agreement and timing rules are met. If an increase would push the rent well above what comparable properties fetch, a tenant can ask the Tenancy Tribunal to assess the market rent. Rent increases tied to retaliation for asserting your rights can also be challenged.

I'm a landlord and the tenant has stopped paying rent. What's the lawful path?

Not self-help — never change the locks or remove goods; both are unlawful acts with exemplary damages attached. The path is: written reminder, then a 14-day notice to remedy the arrears, then a Tenancy Tribunal application for arrears and, where the arrears are serious enough, termination. Keep records of everything. The Tribunal moves quicker than most landlords expect if the paperwork is right — and slower than anyone likes if it isn't.

Is this legal advice? Are you a law firm?

No. Legal Hotline is not a law firm. The free line gives clear, general legal information about New Zealand tenancy law — not legal advice on your specific situation — and calling creates no lawyer-client relationship. Free official help also exists: Tenancy Services information and mediation, Community Law and the Citizens Advice Bureau. When you want a lawyer, book a one-hour consultation for a fixed NZ$295 (GST inclusive), right on the call.