Whenever the landlord changes, the bond record must be updated. This applies whether the change is temporary or permanent.

Examples where there’s a change of landlord include:

Examples of a change of landlord include:

• when the property management company changes
• when the landlord goes overseas
• when the rental property is sold.

The existing tenancy agreement continues with the same terms and conditions. A new tenancy agreement is not required.

If the tenancy agreement includes an electronic address for service, you can use it to serve notices to the other party.

Find out more information about address for service

If the property management company changes

If the property owner uses a property management organisation (PMO), the PMO are considered the landlord for the tenancy.

If the PMO changes, the current property manager must give the tenant written notice of the change. This notice must include:

• who is taking over as landlord
• the new landlord’s contact details
• when the new landlord takes over

This is a permanent landlord change, and the tenant must pay rent to the new landlord from the date specified in the written notice.

The new landlord must give the tenant the following information:

• their name and contact details
• their address for service
• details for paying the rent (for example, their new bank account number).

Address for service

This process also applies where an owner who has been self-managing the tenancy engages a property manager to take over during a tenancy.

If the landlord goes overseas

If the landlord is leaving New Zealand for more than 21 days in a row, they must appoint an agent before they leave. If they leave New Zealand for 21 days or less, they are not required to appoint an agent.

The agent must be someone in New Zealand who can manage the property while the landlord is away. It does not need to be a PMO.

This is a temporary landlord change. The landlord must give the tenant the agent's name, contact details, and address for service.

If a landlord does not appoint an agent or does not give the tenant the agent’s details, this is an unlawful act. The tenant can give the landlord a notice to remedy. This gives the landlord a deadline to appoint an agent or to provide the agent’s contact details.

Find out more information on notices to remedy on Breaches of the Act

If the property is sold

If the property is being sold with the existing tenants in place, the new owners will take over as the landlord. The tenancy agreement and its terms remain the same, whether it is a periodic or fixed-term tenancy.

If the landlord decides to sell the property, written notice must be given to the tenant as soon as practicable.

This is a permanent landlord change.

The current property owner/landlord can sell the property with a requirement for the property to be vacant if the buyer wants it vacant. Find out when and how much notice the landlord must give the tenants to end a periodic tenancy.

Find out more information on selling a rental property

How to apply for a change of landlord in Bond Hub

For both permanent or temporary changes, either the departing or incoming landlord can submit a request in Bond Hub.

Find out the steps to change a landlord.

Changing a landlord