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Tenancy Law

10 articles

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.

17 March 20268 min read

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.

13 March 20267 min read

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.

13 March 20268 min read

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.

12 March 20267 min read

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.

10 March 20267 min read

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.

9 March 20266 min read

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.

8 March 20266 min read

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.

7 March 20266 min read

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.

4 March 20266 min read

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.

2 March 20266 min read