How do I work out rent arrears?

Multiply the rent by the number of periods it was due, then subtract the total actually paid. The difference is the arrears. This calculator does it and shows how many weeks behind that represents.

What can a landlord do about rent arrears?

Communication and a repayment plan are the best first step. If arrears reach a certain level the matter can go to the Tenancy Tribunal. A clear record of what is owed helps both sides.

Is this an official record?

It is a calculation to help both tenants and landlords agree on the figure. Keep your own records of rent due and payments made, which support any discussion or Tribunal application.

Rent Arrears Calculator

This calculator helps both tenants and landlords in New Zealand keep an accurate, transparent record of any rent arrears, working out exactly how much is owed over a period of missed or partial payments. You enter the rent amount, frequency, and the payments actually made, and the tool calculates the running arrears balance and the timeline, providing a clear figure that both parties can rely on. The breakdown shows the rent due, payments received, and the outstanding balance for each period, helping avoid disputes, supporting honest communication about a repayment plan, and giving a clear record should the matter ever go to the Tenancy Tribunal.

Rent amount

Rent frequency

Number of rent periods

Total actually paid

total rent arrears owed

Total rent due$0

Total paid$0

Periods behind0

This is a calculation to help both parties agree the figure, not an official statement. Keep your own records of rent due and every payment. For arrears, early communication and a repayment plan are best; the Tenancy Tribunal can help if it is not resolved. General information, not legal advice.

How it works

The total rent due is the rent amount multiplied by the number of rent periods over the timeframe. The arrears are that total minus the rent actually paid. The calculator also shows how many full rent periods the arrears represent, which is a useful measure because tenancy rules and Tribunal steps often refer to being a number of periods behind. A negative result would mean rent is paid ahead rather than behind.

Worked example

At $550 a week over 8 weeks, the rent due is $4,400. If $3,300 was paid, the arrears are $1,100, which is two weeks of rent behind. Having this clear figure makes it far easier to agree a catch-up plan or to document the position accurately.

Related calculators

Tenancy Bond Calculator: bond amounts.
Rent Affordability Calculator: affordable rent.
Rent Increase Calculator: rent increases.
Prorated Rent guide: part-period rent.

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