What’s Changing in New Zealand Tenancy Law?
Several key changes to New Zealand’s rental laws have officially rolled out in 2025.
With more updates expected throughout the year, both landlords and tenants must stay informed as these changes may impact your rights, responsibilities, and rental decisions.
Whether you're managing a property or renting one, here's a breakdown of what’s changing and what it means for you.
Why Should Landlords Pay Attention?
As a landlord, staying up to date with these tenancy law changes ensures you’re complying with regulations and avoiding potential disputes with tenants. Failing to follow the new rules could result in penalties from the Tenancy Tribunal.
Additionally, some updates—such as the return of "no cause" terminations and the ability to charge a pet bond—offer greater clarity on managing your rental property. Understanding these rules can help maintain better relationships with tenants, encourage longer tenancies, and assist with financial planning, especially around notice periods and potential property maintenance.
Why Should Tenants Care About These Changes?
If you’re renting, knowing your new rights and responsibilities is essential to making informed decisions. With shorter notice periods for ending tenancies, revised rules around pet ownership, and clearer guidelines on tenancy agreements, these updates provide greater flexibility and protection for tenants.
By understanding the changes, tenants can confidently navigate their rental agreements and advocate for their rights where necessary.
Key Tenancy Law Updates
1. Tenancy Termination Rules (Effective 30 January 2025)
Periodic Tenancies:
✅ Landlords can end a periodic tenancy with 90 days’ notice, without stating a reason.
✅ Tenants can end a periodic tenancy with 21 days’ notice, giving them more flexibility.
✅ Landlords can end a tenancy with 42 days’ notice if:
The property is needed for the landlord or a family member’s principal place of residence (for at least 90 days).
The property is being sold with vacant possession.
The property is required for employees or contractors, as stated in the tenancy agreement.
Note: If a termination notice was given before the new law takes effect, it remains valid and cannot be changed.
2. Fixed-Term Tenancies
✅ Fixed-term tenancies will automatically become periodic unless action is taken by either party.
✅ Landlords and tenants can end a fixed-term tenancy by giving notice between 90 and 21 days before the end of the term—no reason required.
✅ If a tenancy expires on or after 1 May 2025, the new rules apply.
3. Strengthening Retaliatory Termination Protections
If a landlord ends a tenancy in retaliation (e.g., because a tenant requested maintenance), the tenant can challenge the notice at the Tenancy Tribunal.
✅ Tenants have 12 months to apply to the Tribunal if they believe a termination was retaliatory.
✅ If they apply within 28 working days, they can also request cancellation of the termination notice.
If the Tribunal determines the notice was given in retaliation, it may be declared unlawful, and penalties could apply.
4. What’s Coming Next?
From 20 March 2025:
✅ Smoking bans allowed inside rental properties.
✅ Stronger guidelines for tenancy withdrawal due to family violence.
Expected Late 2025:
Pet Rules & Pet Bonds
Changes around pet ownership in rentals will take effect at a later date, but until then, pet bonds remain prohibited.
New Pet Rules (Once in Effect):
Tenants must get written consent from the landlord to keep a pet.
Landlords can only refuse a pet request on reasonable grounds, such as property suitability or bylaws.
A pet bond (up to two weeks' rent) may be required by landlords.
Tenants will be fully responsible for pet-related damage beyond fair wear and tear.
Pet Consent Process:
✅ Landlords must respond within 21 days to pet requests.
✅ If refusing, the landlord must provide valid reasons.
✅ Landlords may impose reasonable conditions on pet ownership.
Final Thoughts
These upcoming changes are designed to balance the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. Whether you own a rental property or lease one, understanding these new laws will help you navigate the rental market with confidence.
For more details, visit Tenancy Services Website or contact your Birds Nest Property Manager.