Tenancy
OUTLINE OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES ACT 1986 (RTA)
Please refer to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 and amendments for the complete provisions.
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1. Agreement
5. Landlord’s responsibilities
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Each party should keep a copy of this tenancy agreement.
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Provide and maintain the premises in a
reasonable condition.
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Changes in the particulars of either party must be notified
to the other party within 10 working days.
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Allow the tenant quiet enjoyment of the premises.
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The agreement must contain a statement, signed by
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Comply with all building, health and safety standards that
the landlord, about the insulation in the property.
apply to the premises.
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This contract may not be enforceable against a tenant
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Comply with all requirements in respect of smoke alarms
under the age of 18 (a minor). The Minors Contracts Act
imposed on the landlord by regulations.
1969 may apply.
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Landlords need to have working smoke alarms installed in
all their residential rental homes. Any replacement alarms
2. Contact details
installed after 1 July 2016 (other than hard-wired systems)
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Each party must provide an email address and mobile
need to have long life batteries and a photoelectric sensor.
phone number if they have them.
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Pay rates and any insurance taken out by the landlord.*
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Each party must supply a physical address for service
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Not seize the tenant’s goods for any reason.
in New Zealand where notices and other documents
relating to the tenancy will be accepted by them, or on
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Inform the tenant if the property is on the market
their behalf, even after the tenancy has ended. Tenants
for sale.
who supply the rental address as their address for service
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Not interfere with the supply of any services
should update this at the end of the tenancy. Parties may
to the premises.
also supply an additional address for service which can
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If the landlord is in breach of these responsibilities,
include a PO Box, email or facsimile.
the tenant(s) can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal.
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If the landlord is going to be out of New Zealand for more
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Appoint an agent and notify the tenant and Bond Centre of
than 21 days and has to appoint an agent, the landlord
must give the tenant the agent’s name, contact address,
the agent’s details whenever leaving New Zealand for more
than 21 consecutive days.
mobile phone number (if any), email address (if any) and
address for service.
*Tenants may be immune from claims by landlords where they or their guests
caused careless damage to the property but the landlord’s insurance covers
3. Rent
the damage.
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Landlords shall not require rent to be paid more than
6. Tenant’s responsibilities
2 weeks in advance, nor until rent already paid has been
used up.
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Pay the rent on time.
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Keep the premises reasonably clean and tidy, and notify
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60 days’ written notice must be given for rent increases.
the landlord as soon as any repairs are needed. You may
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Rent shall not be increased within 180 days of the start
not withhold rent if you cannot get repairs done.
of the tenancy or the last rent increase.
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Seek information from the Ministry of Business, Innovation
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Also for rent to be increased in a fixed-term tenancy,
and Employment (0800 83 62 62).
it must be stated in the tenancy agreement.
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Use the premises principally for residential purposes.
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Receipts must be given immediately if rent is paid in cash.
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Pay all electricity, gas, telephone, and metered
4. Bond
water charges.
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A bond is not compulsory, but a landlord may require
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Replace batteries in smoke alarms as required.
a bond of up to 4 weeks’ rent.
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Not damage or permit damage to the premises,
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Bonds must be lodged with the Ministry of Business,
and to inform the landlord of any damage.
Innovation and Employment within 23 working days of
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Not disturb the neighbours or the landlord’s
being paid.
other tenants.
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Receipts must be given for bond payments.
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Not alter the premises without the landlord’s
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If the property is sold, the landlord’s rights with regard to
written consent.
the bond pass to the purchaser of the property.
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Not use the property for any unlawful purpose.
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The bond covers any damage or loss to the landlord
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Leave the property clean and tidy, and clear of rubbish and
if the tenant’s obligations are not met, but does not cover
possessions at the end of the tenancy.
fair wear and tear and may not cover careless damage
covered by the landlord’s insurance.
RTA01 Residential Tenancy Agreement
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