Tenancy Information

Tenants' rights and responsibilities

A TENANT MUST:

pay the rent on time
use the property mainly as a home
keep the property clean and tidy
promptly report any damage/repairs
repair any damage caused by the tenant or guests
permit no more than the specified number of residents

At the end of the tenancy:

depart on or before the due date
remove all goods and rubbish
leave the property clean and tidy
return all keys and pass cards
leave all chattels in good order
provide access to prospective tenants or buyers
pay electricity, telephone and other agreed charges

A TENANT MUST NOT:

damage the property or allow others to do so
use the property for unlawful purposes or allow others to do so
disturb the peace of other tenants or neighbours
alter the property or change the locks
refuse rightful entry to the landlord or their agent
sublet or transfer the tenancy
Landlords' rights and responsibilities

A landlord must:

give 60 days' notice of a rent increase
give 48 hours' notice of an inspection
give 24 hours' notice of entry for repairs
give 42 days' notice of plans to sell the property
ensure locks and fastenings work
provide receipts for cash/cheque payments
provide rent statements if requested
do any necessary repairs
pay for urgent repairs
present a clean and habitable property
pay costs such as rates and insurance
ensure tenants are not unreasonably disturbed

A landlord must not:

block reasonable subletting or tenancy re-assignment
prohibit the use of suitable interior fixtures
change locks without consent
enter without consent or legal right
 

For more tenancy information, please visit

THE DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND HOUSING

http://www.dbh.govt.nz/