Changes to the RTA: What you need to know

Changes to the Residential Tenancies Act are on the horizon. If you’re a landlord or tenant in New Zealand, it’s important to understand how these amendments may impact you.

Tenancy Terminations

• Landlords will once again be able to end a periodic tenancy with 90 days notice without providing a reason.
• Landlords can end a periodic tenancy in certain circumstances with 42 days notice.
• Tenants can end a periodic tenancy with a minimum of 21 days notice.
• Tenants must provide a minimum of 21 days to renew or extend a fixed-term tenancy.
• Landlords or tenants can give notice to end a fixed-term tenancy between 90 and 21 before the end of the fixed term without providing a reason.
• These changes will take effect on 30 January 2025.

Retaliatory Termination Notices

• If a landlord terminates the tenancy due to a tenant exercising their rights, the tenant can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal to have the termination confirmed as retaliatory and declared an unlawful act.
• These changes will take effect on 30 January 2025.

Smoking Provisions

• Landlords can prohibit tenants from smoking inside rented premises.
• If a landlord wishes to ban smoking anywhere else on the property (including outbuildings), they need to make sure the ban is consistent with parties’ other rights and responsibilities under the RTA.
• These changes will take effect on 20 March 2025.

Who Does This Affect?
These changes will impact the 1.7 million New Zealanders who are part of the private rental market. Whether you’re renting or managing a property, staying informed about these updates will help you navigate your rights and responsibilities.

Other important changes to the Residential Tenancies Act are also set to take place later in the year. These changes are in relation to pets and smoking provisions.

For more information, visit the Tenancy Services website and read the full details of the “Tenancy Law Changes”: Tenancy Law Changes.

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