Recent changes to tenancy laws affect many aspects of residential tenancies, including:
These are the latest in a series of tenancy law changes.
When: From 11 February 2021
What: Multiple changes to tenancy laws, which include:
Giving notice to end a tenancy(external link) — Tenancy Services
All tenancy law changes(external link) — Tenancy Services
The February 2021 updates are the latest in a series of tenancy law changes. Other changes include providing a healthy homes compliance statement with most new or renewed tenancies.
From 12 August 2020: Rent increases limited to once every 12 months. Previously it was once every 180 days (six months).
From 11 February 2021: Several law changes to the Residential Tenancies Act took effect, as outlined above.
From 1 July 2021: All private rentals must comply with healthy homes standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy.
From 1 July 2021: All boarding houses must comply with healthy homes standards.
From 1 July 2023: All houses rented by Kainga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand) and registered Community Housing Providers must comply with healthy homes standards.
From 1 July 2024: All other private rentals must comply with healthy homes standards. This means fixed-term tenancies that have not renewed since 30 November 2020.
Healthy homes standards compliance dates(external link) — Tenancy Services
Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2020(external link) — Tenancy Services