Date:
2015-08-06 13:38
Are you new to tenancy?
Are you new to tenancy?
Are you a tenant or landlord renting for the first time? Information in this section explains your basic rights and what you must do under New Zealand tenancy law (called the ‘Residential Tenancies Act’).
Landlord’s responsibilities:
Landlord responsibilities are to:
• provide and maintain the premises in a reasonable condition
• allow the tenant quiet enjoyment of the premises
• comply with all building, health and safety standards that apply to the premises
• deal with any abandoned goods at the end of the tenancy in accordance with the provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act
• inform the tenant or prospective tenants if the property is on the market for sale
• have an agent if they are out of New Zealand for more than 21 consecutive days.
Landlords must not:
• seize the tenant’s goods for any reason
• interfere with the supply of any services to the premises except where the interference is necessary to avoid danger to any person or to enable maintenance or repairs to be carried out
Tenancy’s responsibilities:
Tenant’s responsibilities are to:
• pay the rent on time as per the tenancy agreement
• keep the premises reasonably clean and tidy
• notify the landlord as soon as any repairs are needed
• use the premises principally for residential purposes
• pay for outgoings they actually consume or use, such as: electricity, gas, telephone charges and metered water
• notify the landlord as soon as possible if any damage occurs
• leave the property clean and tidy, and clear of rubbish and possessions at the end of the tenancy
• at the end of the tenancy, leave all keys and such things with the landlord. Leave all chattels supplied with the tenancy.
Tenants must not:
• withhold rent if the landlord cannot get repairs done
• damage or permit damage to the premises
• disturb the neighbours or the landlord’s other tenants
• alter or attach anything to the premises without the landlord’s written consent
• use the property for any unlawful purpose
• exceed the maximum number of occupants as stated in the tenancy agreement.
Additionally, both parties have responsibilities to:
• make sure the tenancy agreement is in writing
• keep their contact details up to date
• not change the locks without the others permission
• limit the chance of any further damage being done if the other party breaches the agreement.
If you are in a Unit Title property, you must follow the body corporate rules or changes.
(Source from:www.tenancy.govt.nz)