NZ Tenancy Bond Calculator

This calculator works out how much cash you need upfront to start a new tenancy in New Zealand, based on the rules set out in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. You enter your weekly rent, how many weeks of rent in advance your landlord wants (max 2 weeks), and how many weeks of bond they are asking for (max 4 weeks), then add any contents insurance, power or internet connection costs, and estimated moving costs. The calculator returns your bond amount, your rent in advance, and your total move-in budget, plus a full cost breakdown confirming letting fees are $0, since they have been banned in New Zealand since December 2018. It also flags that your bond is not paid to the landlord; it is held safely by Tenancy Services for the length of your tenancy and refunded, usually within 5 to 10 working days, once both parties agree at the end of the lease. Use this tool before you sign a tenancy agreement to check what a landlord is legally allowed to ask for, to budget accurately for moving day, and to spot if you are being asked for more than the law allows. Figures are indicative only: your actual move-in costs will depend on the rent you agree, your insurer, moving company quotes, and any connection fees charged by your power or internet provider.

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Updated Residential Tenancies Act 1986. Letting fees banned since Dec 2018.

1. Rent Details

Weekly rent

Rent advance requested by landlord

Bond amount requested

2. Additional Move-In Costs

Contents insurance (annual) (recommended)

Power/internet connection costs

Moving costs (estimate)

Your Move-In Budget

Bond

$2,200

Held by Tenancy Services

Rent in Advance

$1,100

Max 2 weeks

Total Move-In
$4,200
All upfront costs

Letting Fee

Banned since Dec 2018

Move-In Cost Breakdown

Weekly rent$550/wk

Bond (4 weeks)$2,200

Rent in advance (2 weeks)$1,100

Contents insurance (annual)$400

Power/internet connection$0

Moving costs$500

Letting fee$0 (banned)

Total upfront cost$4,200

Key Rules

Maximum bond4 weeks rent

Maximum rent in advance2 weeks rent

Letting feesBanned (since Dec 2018)

Bond lodgementWithin 23 working days

Bond held byTenancy Services (MBIE)

Bond refund time5-10 working days

DisputesTenancy Tribunal

Summary: -

Tenancy Bond Rules in New Zealand

The Residential Tenancies Act 1986 sets strict rules on bonds. The maximum bond is 4 weeks rent, the maximum rent in advance is 2 weeks, and letting fees are banned (since 12 December 2018). The landlord must lodge the bond with Tenancy Services within 23 working days.

Bond Refund Process

At the end of your tenancy, either party applies to Tenancy Services for the bond refund online at tenancy.govt.nz. If both parties agree, the refund is processed in 5 to 10 working days. If the landlord claims part of the bond for damage or unpaid rent, and you disagree, the matter goes to the Tenancy Tribunal for a ruling. Keep records of the property's condition at move-in (photos, the property inspection report) to support your refund claim.

What a Landlord Cannot Charge

More than 4 weeks rent as bond
More than 2 weeks rent in advance
A letting fee (banned since December 2018)
Key money or any other upfront payment beyond bond and rent in advance

Related Calculators

Sources: Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (legislation.govt.nz). Tenancy Services (tenancy.govt.nz). Residential Tenancies (Letting Fees) Amendment Act 2018.

This calculator provides indicative estimates. Actual move-in costs depend on your specific tenancy agreement and circumstances.

Frequently asked questions

How much bond can a landlord charge in NZ?

A landlord can charge a maximum of 4 weeks rent as a bond. This is set by the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. For example, if your rent is $550 per week, the maximum bond is $2,200. The landlord cannot charge more than this, even for furnished properties or properties with pets.

Where does my bond money go?

Your landlord must lodge your bond with Tenancy Services (part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) within 23 working days of receiving it. Tenancy Services holds the bond for the duration of your tenancy. The money does not go to the landlord. If the landlord fails to lodge the bond, they can be fined up to $1,000.

How do I get my bond back?

At the end of your tenancy, either you or your landlord can apply to Tenancy Services for the bond refund. If both parties agree on how much to refund, the process is straightforward. If there is a dispute (for example, the landlord wants to keep some for damage or unpaid rent), either party can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for a ruling. Bond refunds typically take 5 to 10 working days once approved.

Can a landlord charge a letting fee in NZ?

No. Letting fees were banned in New Zealand from 12 December 2018. Landlords and property managers cannot charge tenants a fee for finding or securing a rental property. Any letting fee charged after this date is unlawful and can be recovered through the Tenancy Tribunal.

How much rent in advance can a landlord ask for?

A landlord can ask for a maximum of 2 weeks rent in advance. Combined with the bond (maximum 4 weeks), the total upfront cost when moving in is a maximum of 6 weeks rent. The landlord cannot require more than this.