Starting a tenancy
Get your agreement in writing so there is no doubt as to what has been agreed to. Keep receipts of payments.
The bottom line for renting a place of your own is simple. Get an agreement in writing with your landlord so there is no doubt as to what has been agreed to. Keep receipts of payments. Know your rights and obligations as a tenant.
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 (called the ‘Residential Tenancies Act’).
There are a number of different types of tenancies. Different rules apply to different types of tenancies. Read about the differences and work out which one is best for you.
In this section
A tenancy agreement is a contract between a landlord and a tenant. It records all the key things that a landlord and a tenant have agreed to about the tenancy.
The Residential Tenancies Act (the Act) is the law that protects tenants and landlords in New Zealand. Not all living arrangements are covered by the Act.
It’s important to know the difference between tenants and flatmates and how the Residential Tenancies Act may or may not apply to your situation.
Some affected properties have special requirements at the start of a tenancy to prevent problems. Both landlords and tenants need to be aware and check for these things.