New Zealand Landlord Obligations – What Every Investor Should Know | Leonie & Steve

Buying an investment property is exciting, but it also comes with responsibilities. Every investor in Wellington (and across the country) needs to understand the key New Zealand landlord obligations. Whether this is your first rental or you’re growing your portfolio, here’s a plain-English guide to what the law requires.

Tenancy Agreements

Every tenancy in New Zealand must have a written agreement signed by both landlord and tenant. It outlines rent, bond, start date, and conditions. You can download templates from Tenancy Services. Clear agreements are the first step in meeting your New Zealand landlord obligations.

Bond and Rent

• Bonds must be lodged with Tenancy Services within 23 working days.

• Keep accurate rent records — tenants can request them at any time.Failing to follow these steps is one of the most common breaches of landlord obligations in New Zealand.

Healthy Homes Standards

Heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage, and draught stopping are now mandatory. New tenancies also need a compliance statement confirming how the home meets Healthy Homes Standards. This is a central part of New Zealand landlord obligations and one investors can’t afford to ignore.

Property Maintenance

Landlords must keep rental properties in reasonable repair. That means sorting bigger issues — like broken appliances or leaks — in a timely manner. Tenants handle daily cleaning, but major maintenance is always the landlord’s responsibility.

Entry Rights

• 48 hours’ written notice for inspections (no more than once every 4 weeks).

• 24 hours’ notice for repairs or maintenance.Respecting tenant privacy is written into New Zealand landlord obligations, so proper notice is non-negotiable.

Insurance

If tenants ask, landlords must provide insurance details. It’s also wise to hold a landlord-specific policy that covers tenant damage and potential rent loss.

Disputes and Support

The Tenancy Tribunal exists to resolve issues, with mediation often available before things escalate. Understanding how disputes are handled is part of managing your landlord obligations in New Zealand.

Conclusion:

Owning an investment property in Wellington can be rewarding, but meeting your New Zealand landlord obligations is crucial. Staying compliant not only avoids penalties, it also builds better relationships with tenants. If you’d like advice on local rental expectations or want support managing your investment, we’re here to help.