Landlords and tenants (including those in boarding houses) have important rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.

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Below lists your main rights and responsibilities as a tenant under the Act when you rent a property in New Zealand.

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Tenant’s responsibilities are to:

• pay the rent on time as per the tenancy agreement

• keep the premises reasonably clean and tidy

• notify the landlord as soon as any repairs are needed

• use the premises principally for residential purposes

• pay for outgoings you actually consume or use, such as: electricity, gas, telephone charges and metered water

• notify the landlord as soon as possible if any damage occurs

• leave the property clean and tidy, and clear of rubbish and possessions at the end of the tenancy

• at the end of the tenancy, leave all keys and such things with the landlord 

• Leave all chattels supplied with the tenancy

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Tenants must not:

• withhold rent if the landlord cannot get repairs done

• damage or permit damage to the premises

• disturb the neighbours or the landlord’s other tenants

• alter or attach anything to the premises without the landlord’s written consent

• use the property for any unlawful purpose

• exceed the maximum number of occupants as stated in the tenancy agreement.

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Additional rules and responsibilities apply to tenants in boarding house tenancies. 

Additionally, both parties have responsibilities to:

• make sure the tenancy agreement is in writing

• keep their contact details up to date

• not change the locks without the others permission

• limit the chance of any further damage being done if the other party breaches the agreement.

 

If you are in a Unit Title property, you must follow the body corporate rules or changes. 

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