Residential Tenancies Act 1986
The principal New Zealand statute governing residential tenancies. It sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants, bond rules, notice periods, and the jurisdiction of the Tenancy Tribunal.
The Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (RTA) is the foundational legislation for residential renting in New Zealand. It covers the form of tenancy agreements, permitted fees and charges, bond handling, rent increase rules, minimum notice periods for termination, and the dispute resolution process through the Tenancy Tribunal.
The Act has been amended several times, most significantly by the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2020, which changed termination rules, introduced limits on rent increases, and embedded the Healthy Homes Standards as enforceable obligations.
For any question about landlord and tenant rights in New Zealand, the RTA (read alongside Tenancy Services guidance) is the primary source — not general tenancy templates or non-governmental commentary.
Primary source
legislation.govt.nz — Residential Tenancies Act 1986 →Last reviewed 15 April 2026. Rates, thresholds, and deadlines change — always verify against the primary source before making decisions.