Tenancy and rentals
Changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986
The Residential Tenancies Act 1986 governs the interactions between landlords and tenants in New Zealand’s rental market.
To ensure the Act remains fit for purpose, the Government has announced a number of changes. These changes complement the Healthy Homes Standards and regulations for insulation and smoke alarms.
Residential Tenancies Act 1986
Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2020
The Government has undertaken a reform of the Residential Tenancies Act to align New Zealand’s rental laws with the present-day realities of renting in New Zealand.
Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2020
Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2019
This Act amended the Residential Tenancies Act to clarify issues relating to tenant liability for damage, contamination of rental properties (including methamphetamine) and unlawful residential premises.
Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2019
Healthy Homes Guarantee Act 2017
The Healthy Homes Guarantee Act came into force in December 2017. It amends the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 so that rental housing has to meet minimum standards relating to:
- heating
- insulation
- ventilation
- moisture ingress
- draught-stopping, and
- drainage.
Residential Tenancies (Smoke Alarms and Insulation) Regulations 2016
Changes to Residential Tenancy Regulations regarding smoke alarms and insulation came into force on 1 July 2016. Landlords must meet these requirements before 1 July 2019.
Regulations for insulation and smoke alarms
Tenancy Services
The Tenancy Services website provides information on tenancy and unit title matters. It offers information and guidance on your responsibilities and rights as a landlord, and as a tenant.
Published: May 18, 2020