Compliance & Notice Periods.

This is general information, not legal advice, and reflects the rules current at time of writing. Requirements change from time to time — always confirm current detail and get the correct forms at tenancy.govt.nz.

Ending a periodic tenancy — tenant notice

A tenant must give at least 21 days' written notice to end a periodic tenancy, unless the landlord agrees to a shorter timeframe in writing.

Ending a periodic tenancy — landlord notice

A landlord can end a periodic tenancy with 90 days' written notice without needing to give a reason ("no cause" termination). Shorter notice of 42 days applies in specific circumstances — for example, if the owner or their family needs the property as their principal residence, the property has been sold with vacant possession, or it's required for an employee, provided the relevant conditions are met.

Fixed-term tenancies

A fixed-term tenancy automatically converts to a periodic tenancy at the end of the term unless either party gives notice between 90 and 21 days before the end date — no specific reason is required for this notice. Generally, a fixed-term tenancy can't be ended early by either party outside limited exceptions.

Rent increases

Rent can only be increased once every 12 months, with proper written notice given in advance. Increases should reflect genuine market comparables in that suburb — see our Rental Pricing & Returns guide.

Bonds

Bonds are lodged with Tenancy Services, not held by the landlord or property manager, and bond transactions are now processed online. This protects both parties — funds are only released once both landlord and tenant agree, or the Tenancy Tribunal decides.

Special circumstances

Shorter notice periods apply in specific serious situations — for example, tenants experiencing family violence can withdraw with as little as 2 days' notice, and a landlord may end a tenancy with 14 days' notice following a physical assault where police have laid charges. These situations have specific approved forms and evidence requirements.

Why this matters for landlords specifically

Getting notice periods or process wrong can mean a termination is deemed invalid, or expose a landlord to a Tenancy Tribunal claim. This is one of the clearest cases where having an experienced property manager handling the process properly is worth it — the rules have changed multiple times in recent years, and getting it right the first time avoids real cost and delay.