Residential Tenancies Act

The RTA outlines the responsibilities of landlords and tenants within New Zealand. It governs the relationship and legally protects both parties during the renting process. 

A landlord is required to maintain their property, let tenants have quiet enjoyment of the property and meet the Healthy Homes Regulation.

A tenant's responsibility is to pay the rent on time, keep the house and grounds clean and tidy, report any maintenance issues that may arise and follow the terms listed in their tenancy agreement.

Major changes to tenancy legislation were passed by Parliament on 5th August 2020. The amendments make a number of changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (RTA), which will affect both landlords and tenants. 

The RTA 2020 will come in to force after Royal Assent and Tenancy Services are developing resources and tools to help tenants and landlords understand how it may effect them. The rent increase to once every 12 months has already come in to affect with most of the other changes coming in to affect by 11th February 2021.

The main key changes are:

• Landlords will not be able to end a periodic tenancy without a reason
• Fixed term tenancies will become periodic tenancies unless both parties agree on a new fixed term
• Tenants will be able to add minor fittings where the installation is low risk
• Penalty amounts will be increased
• Twelve months between rental increases - this is already in effect

Here is the Summary of Changes which breaks down the above in more detail. 

Here are the Frequently Asked Questions and Answers from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development website.