Residential Tenancies Act 1986
Plain-English Answers

Only in a genuine emergency (fire, flood, immediate safety risk). For any other reason, your landlord must give advance written notice and can only enter between 8am and 7pm.

At least 24 hours' written notice. Inspections can happen no more than once every four weeks. Your landlord cannot enter at unreasonable times.

This is unlawful. You can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for a ruling. The Tribunal can award exemplary damages of up to $6,500 for unlawful entry that interferes with your quiet enjoyment.

48 hours' notice is required to show the property to prospective tenants or purchasers, and this can only happen between 8am and 7pm.

At least 90 days' written notice for any reason. A shorter notice of 42 days applies only for specific grounds: owner/family needs the property as principal residence, unconditional sale requiring vacant possession, or employee housing. The notice must be in writing, signed, and state the reason if less than 90 days.

At least 21 days' written notice for any reason. The notice must be in writing, identify the premises, specify the vacate date, and be signed.

Yes — if there is an unconditional sale agreement requiring vacant possession to the purchaser, 42 days is the minimum notice required under section 51(2)(b). The landlord must state this reason in the notice. If the sale is not unconditional yet, 42 days is not valid and 90 days applies.

Yes, under section 55A. A landlord can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal if on 3 separate occasions within 90 days the tenant or someone at the property has engaged in anti-social behaviour. The Tribunal can order termination. The landlord must have issued written warnings before applying.

Not easily. A fixed-term tenancy cannot normally be ended early by either party without agreement, a Tribunal order, or the landlord accepting abandonment. At the end of the fixed term, it converts to periodic unless both parties agree otherwise in writing at least 21 days before expiry.

No more than 4 weeks' rent. This applies to all tenancies regardless of the rental amount. Charging more is unlawful.

The landlord must lodge the bond with Tenancy Services within 23 working days of receiving it. You can check at tenancy.govt.nz.

A landlord can claim bond money for: unpaid rent, damage beyond fair wear and tear, and reasonable cleaning costs if the property was not left in the same condition as at the start. Fair wear and tear (normal aging) cannot be claimed.

A fixed heater capable of heating the main living room to at least 18°C. Acceptable types: heat pump, fixed electric heater, wood burner (meeting emissions standards), flued gas heater. Portable heaters and unflued gas heaters are not acceptable. All tenancies must comply as of 1 July 2024.

Yes. Ceiling insulation must be in good condition and meet minimum R-values (R2.9 for most NZ regions). Underfloor insulation is required where the subfloor is accessible. All tenancies must comply as of 1 July 2024.

Kitchens must have an extractor fan (ducted to outside, minimum 50L/s or rangehood 150L/s). Bathrooms must have an extractor fan (minimum 25L/s). All habitable rooms must have openable windows.

Tenants can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal. Non-compliance can result in exemplary damages of up to $7,200 per breach for landlords who knowingly fail to comply. Landlords must also provide a Healthy Homes compliance statement at the start of new tenancies.