The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024, enacted on December 17, 2024, introduced significant changes affecting landlords in Auckland and across New Zealand. As property investors, it’s crucial to understand these amendments to ensure compliance and optimise property management strategies.

Further to our recent article Residential Tenancies Amendment Act Update, let’s highlight a few key points which landlords need to be aware of:

1. Reintroduction of ‘No Cause’ Terminations

Effective from January 30, 2025, landlords can terminate periodic tenancies without providing a specific reason by giving at least 90 days’ notice. This reinstates the flexibility previously available to landlords, allowing for more straightforward management decisions. 

2. Adjustments to Notice Periods

The Act reduces the tenancy termination notice period to 42 days in specific situations:

• Owner or Family Occupation: If the landlord or their family member intends to occupy the property as their main residence within 90 days of the tenancy ending and plans to stay for at least 90 days. 
• Sale of Property: If the property has been sold with a requirement to give vacant possession. 

Additionally, tenants can now end a periodic tenancy with 21 days’ notice, reduced from the previous 28 days. 

3. Pet Bonds and Pet Consent Rules

The Amendment Act allows landlords to charge a pet bond, providing a financial safeguard against potential pet-related damages. This change aims to encourage landlords to permit pets, addressing the growing demand for pet-friendly rentals. Specific details regarding the implementation date and conditions for pet bonds are yet to be set by Order in Council.

4. Enabling Online Bond Lodgement

As of December 17, 2024, bond lodgements and payments must be completed online, eliminating the need for physical signatures and paper forms. This modernisation streamlines the bond process, making it more efficient for both landlords and tenants. 

5. Technical Amendments

Effective from March 20, 2025, the Act includes technical changes to improve clarity and effectiveness. One notable amendment clarifies that clauses in tenancy agreements prohibiting indoor smoking are enforceable, allowing landlords to better protect their properties from potential smoke-related damages. 

Your Property Manager is here to help

Understanding and applying tenancy law can be complex, but that’s why we look after this for you. Our team is here to ensure compliance, updated documents, provide expert guidance, and help navigate these changes together. 

Complete the online form below and our residential team will be in touch.