Renting Basics: Everything You Need to Know

## Renting in New Zealand: The Basics ### The Bond (Security Deposit) **What is it?** - A security deposit, usually equal to 4 weeks' rent (maximum allowed by law) - Protects the landlord against damage or unpaid rent **Important Rules:** - The bond MUST be lodged with Tenancy Services within 23 working days - Your landlord should give you a receipt - You can check your bond is lodged at tenancy.govt.nz - The bond is NOT held by your landlord - it's held by the government **Getting Your Bond Back:** - At end of tenancy, you and landlord complete a bond refund form - If you disagree on deductions, you can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal - Clean the property and document with photos ### Tenancy Agreements **Always get a written agreement!** It should include: - Names of all tenants and landlord - Property address - Rent amount and payment frequency - Bond amount - Start date and whether fixed-term or periodic **Two Types:** 1. **Fixed-term** - Set end date. Neither party can end early without agreement. 2. **Periodic** - Ongoing. Tenant gives 28 days notice, landlord gives 90 days (in most cases). ### Your Rights as a Tenant You have the right to: - A safe and healthy home (Healthy Homes Standards) - Privacy (landlord must give 24-48 hours notice to enter) - Make minor changes (with landlord approval) - Not pay letting fees (banned since Dec 2018) - Challenge unfair rent increases ### Your Responsibilities You must: - Pay rent on time - Keep the property reasonably clean and tidy - Report damage and maintenance issues promptly - Not disturb neighbours - Get permission for any modifications ### Rent Increases - Landlord can only increase rent once every 12 months - Must give 60 days written notice - You can challenge excessive increases at Tenancy Tribunal ### Healthy Homes Standards All rentals must meet standards for: - Heating - main living room must have fixed heater - Insulation - ceiling and underfloor - Ventilation - extractor fans in kitchen/bathroom - Moisture and drainage - Draught stopping ### If Things Go Wrong 1. **Talk to your landlord first** - many issues can be resolved 2. **Put complaints in writing** - keep records 3. **Contact Tenancy Services** - free advice: 0800 836 262 4. **Apply to Tenancy Tribunal** - if you can't resolve it ### Quick Checklist Before Signing - [ ] Property condition report completed - [ ] Photos taken of existing damage - [ ] Written tenancy agreement - [ ] Bond receipt received - [ ] Healthy Homes compliance statement