Tenancy Agreement Templates
Professional residential tenancy agreement templates for New Zealand landlords and tenants. Ensure legal compliance and protect your rights.
New Zealand Tenancy Law Overview
Understanding your rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.
Landlord Rights & Responsibilities
Property Maintenance
Keep property in reasonable state of repair and compliance with health standards
Rent Collection
Right to collect rent on time and pursue unpaid rent through proper channels
Property Inspections
Regular inspections with 48 hours' notice, maximum 4 times per year
Bond Protection
Lodge bond with Tenancy Services and claim for damages or unpaid rent
Termination Rights
End tenancy for breach of agreement or other valid reasons with proper notice
Tenant Rights & Responsibilities
Quiet Enjoyment
Right to use property without unreasonable interference from landlord
Rent Payments
Pay rent on time and in the agreed manner (weekly, fortnightly, monthly)
Property Care
Keep property reasonably clean and tidy, avoid intentional damage
Privacy Rights
Right to 48 hours' notice for inspections and entry (except emergencies)
Notice Requirements
Give proper notice when ending tenancy (21 days for periodic tenancies)
Types of Tenancy Agreements
Choose the right tenancy agreement type for your rental arrangement.
Periodic Tenancy
Ongoing tenancy with no fixed end date, typically week-to-week or month-to-month.
- • No fixed end date
- • 21 days' notice from tenants
- • 90 days' notice from landlords
- • Automatic renewal
Fixed-Term Tenancy
Tenancy for a specific period (usually 6-12 months) with defined start and end dates.
- • Set start and end dates
- • No notice required to end
- • Cannot be terminated early without agreement
- • Becomes periodic if not renewed
Room in Shared House
Rental of a single room in a shared residential property with common areas.
- • Individual room plus shared spaces
- • Shared utilities and facilities
- • May have flatmate agreements
- • Different privacy expectations
Download Tenancy Agreement Templates
Access comprehensive tenancy agreement templates that comply with New Zealand tenancy law.
Free Template Package
- Standard tenancy agreement template
- Fixed-term and periodic options
- Property condition report
- Completion guide included
Professional Legal Review
- Lawyer review and customization
- Property-specific clauses
- Compliance verification
- Dispute risk assessment
Essential Agreement Terms
Key provisions that should be included in every tenancy agreement for legal protection.
Party Information
Full names and addresses of all landlords and tenants, including emergency contacts.
Property Description
Complete address, room numbers, furnishing details, and included appliances.
Rent & Payment Terms
Weekly/monthly rent amount, payment dates, methods, and late payment penalties.
Bond Details
Bond amount (usually up to 4 weeks' rent), lodgement with Tenancy Services.
Tenancy Terms
Start date, term length, fixed-term or periodic arrangement, renewal options.
Special Conditions
Pet policies, smoking rules, subletting restrictions, garden maintenance.
Notice Periods
Required notice for ending tenancy, rent increases, and property access.
Dispute Resolution
Process for resolving disagreements through Tenancy Tribunal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about tenancy agreements in New Zealand
Do I need a written tenancy agreement in New Zealand?
While verbal tenancy agreements are legally valid in New Zealand, written agreements are strongly recommended to avoid disputes. The Residential Tenancies Act 1986 provides standard terms, but written agreements help clarify specific arrangements between landlords and tenants.
What must be included in a New Zealand tenancy agreement?
Essential elements include: names and addresses of all parties, property address and description, rental amount and payment frequency, bond amount, tenancy start date, term length (fixed-term or periodic), and any special terms or conditions.
How much bond can landlords charge in New Zealand?
The maximum bond is usually 4 weeks' rent, but can be more in certain circumstances. All bonds must be lodged with Tenancy Services within 23 working days of receipt. The bond protects landlords against unpaid rent or property damage.
Can landlords increase rent during a tenancy?
Yes, but landlords must give at least 60 days' written notice and can only increase rent once every 12 months. Rent increases must be to market rent levels and cannot be retaliatory or discriminatory.
What are the notice periods for ending a tenancy in NZ?
For periodic tenancies: tenants must give 21 days' notice, landlords must give 90 days' notice (42 days in some cases). For fixed-term tenancies, no notice is required unless specified in the agreement - the tenancy ends on the agreed date.
Important Legal Notice
These templates provide general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Tenancy law in New Zealand is complex and changes regularly. Landlords and tenants should familiarize themselves with the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 and consider professional legal review for complex situations or disputes.
Need Professional Property Law Advice?
Connect with experienced property lawyers who can review your tenancy agreements and resolve landlord-tenant disputes.