What do you need to know when you’re starting a new tenancy? Watch this video, where a young house gets some helpful tips from another.

New to renting

Are you a tenant or landlord renting for the first time? Information in this section explains your basic rights and what you must do under New Zealand tenancy law.

In this section

Your rights and responsibilities Information for new tenants Information for new landlords Landlord compliance checklist Pre-tenancy applications Initial property inspection Insurance

Types of tenancies

Both landlords and tenants should know about the different types of tenancy agreements. Each one has different rules, use the information below to work out what’s best for you.

In this section

Periodic or fixed-term tenancy Boarding houses Service tenancy

Tenancy agreements

A tenancy agreement is a contract between a landlord and a tenant. It sets out everything that a landlord and a tenant have agreed to about the tenancy.

In this section

Required statements Adding conditions Making changes to a tenancy agreement Discrimination Address for service Rules about pets

Who is protected

The Residential Tenancies Act (the Act) protects tenants and landlords in New Zealand. Not all living arrangements are covered.

In this section

Who tenancy law protects Who tenancy law doesn't protect

Flatting

Flatting for the first time? It’s important to know the difference between tenants and flatmates, and how the law applies to you.

Renting affected properties

Renting a property that has been damaged in a natural disaster or affected by meth? Find out what you need to know.

In this section

Properties affected by meth Renting a damaged property