Landlords and tenants have specific legal responsibilities that they must agree and adhere to before, during and at the end of the tenancy. We suggest you do your homework and the tenancy website here https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/starting-a-tenancy/new-to-tenancy/key-rights-and-responsibilities/ is a good place to start
Big Tip! Read your tenancy agreement thoroughly and ensure you understand it BEFORE you sign
Your landlord is responsible for:-
* maintaining the property in reasonable condition
* ensuring it complies with healthy homes standards
* allowing tenants quiet enjoyment
* meeting all relevant building, health and safety standards
* handling any abandoned goods in the correct way
* informing the tenant if the property is for sale
* having an agent if they are out of New Zealand for more than 21 days.
They can’t:-
* seize your stuff for any reason
* interfere with the supply of services to the flat, unless it is necessary to
avoid danger to a person, or for repairs.
As a tenant you are responsible for:-
* paying the rent on time
* keeping the property reasonably clean and tidy
* informing the landlord about any damage or repairs straight away
* paying outgoings like electricity, gas and internet
* using the property only as agreed to in the tenancy agreement
(ie residential not business, parties/no parties, parking etc)
As a tenant you can’t:-
* stop paying rent if the landlord hasn’t done repairs
* damage the premises
* disturb the neighbors or the landlord’s other tenants
* make any alterations to the property without the landlord’s written consent
* use the property for any unlawful purpose
* have more than the maximum number of occupants listed in the tenancy
agreement
Both landlords and tenants are responsible for:
* making sure the tenancy agreement is in writing
* keeping their contact details up to date
* not changing the locks without permission
