Blog
Tenancy Law
17 articles
Does a tenant have to give notice in NZ? What landlords need to know
Yes — and the rules differ depending on whether it's a periodic or fixed-term tenancy. Here's exactly what notice your tenant has to give you, what they can break early, and the common scenarios that catch landlords out.
Ending a periodic tenancy in NZ: notice periods and what the letter must say
A plain-English NZ guide to ending a periodic tenancy in 2025+ — the current notice periods, what a valid notice must contain, and the common mistakes that get notices thrown out at Tribunal.
Bond refund NZ: the complete guide for landlords in 2026
Everything NZ landlords need to know about bond refunds — the process, Bond Hub, common disputes, timelines, and how to protect your interests when a tenancy ends.
How to prepare for a Tenancy Tribunal hearing in NZ
How to Prepare for a Tenancy Tribunal Hearing in NZ To prepare for a Tenancy Tribunal hearing in NZ, gather all relevant documents, understand your rights
How to handle bond disputes in New Zealand
Navigating the waters of a bond dispute can be daunting for both landlords and tenants in New Zealand. It's a situation that neither party wishes to find themselves in, yet it remains a common occurre
Tenant rights during property inspections in NZ
Navigating the intricacies of property inspections can be daunting for both landlords and tenants. In New Zealand, the process is governed by specific laws designed to balance the rights and responsib
Understanding notice periods for ending a tenancy in NZ
Navigating the intricacies of ending a tenancy in New Zealand can be a daunting task for both landlords and tenants. The Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (RTA) sets out clear guidelines to ensure that a
Rent arrears in NZ: your rights and responsibilities as a landlord
Dealing with unpaid rent is stressful. Here's the legal framework under the Residential Tenancies Act, the 14-day notice process, and when to escalate to the Tenancy Tribunal.
What to do when a tenant wants to break their lease early
A practical guide for NZ landlords on handling early termination requests — covering fixed-term rules, mutual agreements, re-letting costs, and Tribunal options.
How to screen tenants in New Zealand: a legal and practical guide
Tenant screening is essential for protecting your investment, but it must be done within New Zealand's legal framework. Here is what you can and cannot do when assessing prospective tenants.
Bond lodgement in NZ: step-by-step guide for landlords
Everything you need to know about collecting, lodging, and refunding bonds in New Zealand — including deadlines, common mistakes, and how to handle disputes.
Understanding the Residential Tenancies Act 1986: key sections every landlord should know
A plain-English guide to the most important sections of the RTA — from bonds and rent increases to termination notices and Tenancy Tribunal powers.
NZ tenancy bond rules: everything landlords need to know
A complete guide to tenancy bond rules in New Zealand — how much you can charge, lodgement deadlines, the refund process, and what happens when there's a dispute.
Pet rules for NZ rental properties: what changed in 2025
New Zealand's rules around pets in rental properties shifted significantly in 2025. Here's what landlords need to know about the new framework, when you can still say no, and how to protect your property.
How to increase rent legally in New Zealand
There's a right way and a wrong way to raise the rent on your investment property. Here's the legal process under the Residential Tenancies Act, including notice periods, frequency limits, and how to get the amount right.
How to end a tenancy in New Zealand: a step-by-step guide
Whether it's a fixed-term expiry, a periodic tenancy notice, or a termination for cause, here's how to end a tenancy lawfully under the Residential Tenancies Act.
What to do when a tenant stops paying rent in NZ
A step-by-step guide to handling a tenant who has stopped paying rent, from the first missed payment through to the Tenancy Tribunal and beyond.