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Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill Passed: Key Changes Announced

We knew it was coming, and we were hoping for some clarity sooner rather than later, but as we have come to expect from our Governments, they have pushed it through with limited time to get all the ducks in a row and with limited information. I guess on the positive side, we will have plenty to study up on over the Christmas break!
Housing Minister Chris Bishop says the Bill is delivering on the Government’s commitment to reform tenancy laws, saying “Under the previous Government, rents rose by $170 per week (2017-2023), the social housing waitlist increased by 20,000 families, and emergency housing use soared". The Bill introduces balanced changes to support landlords and tenants, aiming to improve rental security and encourage market participation. Key changes include:
  • Reintroducing 90-day ‘no cause’ termination notices for periodic tenancies.
  • Reducing notice periods for landlords (to 42 days in certain situations) and tenants (to 21 days).
  • Allowing landlords to end fixed-term tenancies without specific reasons.
  • Introducing pet bonds and new rules for pet consent and damage liability.
Mr Bishop believes these changes will give landlords the confidence to re-enter the rental market and assist tenants to secure homes, including for their pets, and with the shortage of rental properties over the past few years I for one certainly hope this does encourage more New Zealanders to invest in property. The reforms, start in early 2025, with key dates as below:
Tenancy Termination changes: 30th January 2025
Changes to improve clarity and efficiency: 30th March 2025
Pet related changes: TBC expected to be late 2025
To find out more click on the link below: