Reference
NZ Tenancy Rules 2026
Last updated:
Key rules for residential tenancies in New Zealand under the Residential Tenancies Act, administered by Tenancy Services. These cover what landlords can charge, how rent increases work, notice periods, and the Healthy Homes Standards. Rules can change, so confirm the current position with Tenancy Services for any specific situation.
Tenancy Bond Calculator Rent Increase Calculator Moving Cities CostBond and Rent
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum bond | Up to 4 weeks rent |
| Pet bond | From 1 December 2025, a landlord may charge a pet bond of up to 2 weeks rent on top of the standard bond (one pet bond per tenancy). Tenants are liable for the full cost of pet damage beyond fair wear and tear |
| Bond lodgement | Must be lodged with Tenancy Services within 23 working days; landlords cannot hold it themselves |
| Rent in advance | No more than 2 weeks rent in advance can be required |
| Rent increases | Allowed at most once every 12 months, with at least 60 days written notice |
| Letting fees | Banned; tenants cannot be charged a letting fee |
Notice Periods
| Situation | Notice |
|---|---|
| Tenant ending a periodic tenancy | At least 21 days |
| Landlord ending a periodic tenancy (with a valid reason) | Varies by reason; commonly 42 or 90 days |
| Landlord selling or moving in | Notice period set by the rules for that reason |
Notice periods and the grounds on which a landlord can end a tenancy have changed in recent years, so check the current rules for your circumstances. Fixed-term tenancies do not automatically end; they roll into periodic unless both parties agree otherwise.
Healthy Homes Standards
All residential rental properties must meet the Healthy Homes Standards, covering heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage, and draught stopping. The final compliance deadline was 1 July 2025, so all tenancies should now comply. Landlords must include a statement of their compliance in new tenancy agreements.