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	What do you need to think about when a tenancy comes to an end? One of our houses learns about how far ahead tenants and landlord need to give notice, and how to get their bond back. Ending a Tenancy (transcript) House Next Door: What’s the matter? Sad House: My tenants...I think they’re leaving me! House Next Door: How do you know? Sad House: They’ve been seeing other houses. The phone calls...texts...going out on the weekend, it all makes sense now! House Next Door: They can’t just up and leave, they have to do it the right way. Sad House: What’s that? House Next Door: Well, if it’s a periodic tenancy the tenants have to give the landlord at least 21 day’s notice. If the landlord needs them to move, they get 90 day’s notice. Sad House: So we’ve still got some time together... House Next Door: If it’s a fixed-term tenancy, they have to stay until the end date. But look, they’re at the stage where they want kids and you’re more...bachelor material. Sad House: What have I done to deserve this?!?! House Next Door: When it’s time to move on, tenants on a periodic tenancy must give 21 day’s notice, unless you agree a shorter time with the landlord. Take your things with you and leave the property clean and tidy. Landlords must give 90 days notice, except in certain cases. When they do leave, meet them at the property to make sure it’s ok. Complete and sign the Bond Return form with them, send it to Tenancy Services to have the bond refunded. There’s more info on this page. Close transcript
	Confused about what needs to be paid to who at the beginning of a tenancy? A young house up to its rafters in questions about rent, bond and bills gets all the answers from his neighbour. Rent, Bond & Bills (transcript) New House: Hey, you got a moment? Old House: I suspect it’ll take longer than that, but go ahead... New house: What’s rent? Old House: Rent is the money tenants give their landlord, every week or fortnight. It’s payment to live in a property, say, a smart little house like you. New House: Gee, thanks! And what’s bond? Old House: Landlords can ask for a bond before the tenants move in, which can be up to 4 week’s rent. They lodge it with Tenancy Services for safe keeping. It’s basically a security payment for any damages or unpaid rent. New House: And who pays bills, or do they just build up and go soggy in the letterbox? Old House: Tenants pay the bills for stuff they use; power, internet and all that. The landlord covers costs that affect the property itself, like insurance and rates. New House: What’s that long green snake on the lawn? Old House: Urrh…that’s the garden hose. New House: Waah! It’s latched onto me! Get it off get it off get it off! Old House: Tenants: pay your rent on time, every week or fortnight. If you’re paying rent weekly, you need to pay one week in advance. If fortnightly, two weeks ahead. Tenants and landlords should talk to each other if there are any problems. Landlords must lodge the bond within 23 working days with Tenancy Services, or online at tenancy.govt.nz- it’s easy. Tenants pay for power, phone, internet, gas and things they use. Landlords pay for property insurance and rates. There’s more information on this website. Close transcript
	This rental house has a tricky situation, and talking to the landlord hasn’t helped. The whole street pitches in – could it be a case for the Tenancy Services Compliance & Investigations team? Compliance & Investigation (transcript) Little House: Hey, I’ve got a bit of a...problem. Apartment: What is it? Little House: There’s a hole by my back door...and you can see my drawers. Apartment: Whoa, that’s nasty. Hey everyone! Little House: Shoosh! Apartment: Check out this guy’s drawers! Old House: Eeeeew, your tenants should talk to the landlord. Apartment: Yep, that’s the first thing to try. Little House: They did, but he’s not fixing it. A child fell through it the other day. Healthy House: My landlord once didn’t give the bond back. They had to go to the tribunal, where it all got solved. Old House: What I reckon is if it’s been there for a while and the landlord’s not doing anything it’s a compliance issue. The Tenancy Services Compliance and Investigation Team can help with that. Apartment: They stepped in when a friend of mine had a fire. Landlord hadn’t actually installed smoke alarms. Major. Fail. Little House: Well, turns out the Tenancy Services Compliance and Investigation Team can help with compliance issues, like if the property is a significant risk to health or safety, or if the landlord has committed a serious or ongoing breach of the Act. The team can also advise you on how to reach resolution yourself, and can visit landlords and property managers to audit their processes. There’s more information on this page. Close transcript

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