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The short answer
New Zealand rents are quoted weekly, not monthly — the price you see on a listing is the rent for one week. A bond of up to 4 weeks' rent is standard, and your landlord must lodge it with Tenancy Services within 23 working days; the landlord does not keep it. This guide covers where to find rentals, what you can be asked to pay when you move in, rent-increase rules, Healthy Homes standards, and notice periods.
Where to find rental listings
The two main listing sites are Trade Me Property and realestate.co.nz. Most listings show photos, the weekly rent, the bond amount, and whether the property meets Healthy Homes standards. In larger cities, good listings go fast — arrange viewings promptly and have references and proof of income ready.
What you pay when you move in
Bond: maximum 4 weeks' rent. The landlord must lodge it with Tenancy Services within 23 working days of receiving it. The bond is your money held in trust — it is not a fee, and the landlord does not keep it.
Rent in advance: maximum 2 weeks' rent.
There may be other charges on top of the bond and rent in advance; check tenancy.govt.nz for which charges are allowed.
Rent increases
Rent can be increased at most once every 12 months, and your landlord must give you at least 60 days' written notice. An increase outside these rules is not enforceable — check tenancy.govt.nz if you receive one.
Healthy Homes standards
Every rental home in New Zealand must meet the Healthy Homes standards: heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture and drainage, and draught stopping. The compliance deadline has passed, so any home you rent today must meet all five standards. If it does not, raise the issue with your landlord or Tenancy Services.
Ending a tenancy
For a periodic tenancy, you must give at least 21 days' notice to end it. A landlord ending a periodic tenancy without giving a reason must give 90 days' notice.
Frequently asked questions
How much bond can a landlord ask for?
No more than 4 weeks' rent, and it must be lodged with Tenancy Services within 23 working days.
Can the landlord keep the bond for cleaning or normal wear and tear?
The bond is held by Tenancy Services, not the landlord. At the end of the tenancy, only legitimate claims can be deducted, and you can dispute them.
How much rent can I be asked to pay upfront?
At most 2 weeks' rent in advance, plus the bond.
My rent went up twice in one year. Is that allowed?
No — rent increases are limited to once every 12 months, with at least 60 days' written notice.
How much notice do I need to give to move out?
At least 21 days' written notice for a periodic tenancy.
Sources
Tenancy Services (official tenancy information and bond lodgement): https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/
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