Tenancy and rentals
Learn more about:
- your responsibilities and rights as a landlord or tenant, and
- proposed changes to the laws governing residential tenancies and rental properties.
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, a number of changes are planned or already underway.
Changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986
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.
October 1, 2018