YOUR KEY RIGHTS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
AS A TENANT
Landlords and tenants (including those in boarding houses) have important rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.
Below lists your main rights and responsibilities as a tenant under the Act when you rent a property in New Zealand.
Tenant’s responsibilities are to:
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pay the rent on time as per the tenancy agreement
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keep the premises reasonably clean and tidy
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notify the landlord as soon as any repairs are needed
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use the premises principally for residential purposes
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pay for outgoings you actually consume or use, such as: electricity, gas, telephone charges and metered water
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notify the landlord as soon as possible if any damage occurs
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leave the property clean and tidy, and clear of rubbish and possessions at the end of the tenancy
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at the end of the tenancy, leave all keys and such things with the landlord
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Leave all chattels supplied with the tenancy
Tenants must not:
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withhold rent if the landlord cannot get repairs done
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damage or permit damage to the premises
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disturb the neighbours or the landlord’s other tenants
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alter or attach anything to the premises without the landlord’s written consent
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use the property for any unlawful purpose
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exceed the maximum number of occupants as stated in the tenancy agreement.
Additional rules and responsibilities apply to tenants in boarding house tenancies.
Additionally, both parties have responsibilities to:
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make sure the tenancy agreement is in writing
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keep their contact details up to date
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not change the locks without the others permission
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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.