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7 May 2012: Christchurch tenancy information and advice session »

3 May 2012: Latest Market Rent figures now available »

how to contact us

Look up the Service location directory to see where we provide help around the country.

Call us on 0800 TENANCY (0800 83 62 62) or, if you're outside New Zealand, on +64 4 238 4695. (Language Line assistance is available for non-English speakers)

For all Bond enquiries call 0800 73 76 66 or, if you're outside New Zealand, on +64 4 238 4693. (Language Line assistance is available for non-English speakers)

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tenancy A-Z

Find out about your rights and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act.

Tenancy

Welcome to the tenancy section of the Department of Building and Housing website. We offer advice and information for landlords and tenants who rent their homes. We administer the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. We receive and hold bonds until the end of a tenancy, we provide dispute resolution services, and we administer the State Housing Appeals Authority.

The Residential Tenancies Act 1986 was amended from 1 October. For more information about what’s changed see the Residential Tenancies Act review. A copy of the Amendment Act can be viewed here .

Landlords

Tenants

Online tools

Tenancy Tribunal applications online
Market rent lookup
Tenancy Tribunal orders online
Property managers
Dispute Resolution Toolkit
Use our rent summary spreadsheet to help you calculate the total amount of rent paid during a tenancy and any arrears due.

Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2010

The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) defines the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants of residential properties.

Need more help?

Communicate with your landlord or tenant. There are forms and information sheets to help you.
Get advice from us – call 0800 TENANCY (0800 83 62 62).
Language Line, a free telephone interpreting service, is also available for non-English speakers. Call 0800 83 62 62 and ask to speak to someone in one of 39 other languages.
Use our search function.
If you still can’t agree, try mediation or the Tenancy Tribunal.