Kāinga Tau

• Kāinga Tau is open to all whānau who have a Residential Tenancy Agreement in Taupō or Tūrangi.
• We will need you to sign a consent and disclosure form allowing us to engage and work with other external agents or providers on your behalf (this includes your landlord, property manager or other social agencies identified in your plan).

• We work with you to achieve both the initial need, and any goals identified that you would like support with.
• You can choose to exit our programmes at any time as per your Rights as a Client.

Renting a property for the first time? Understanding your rights and responsibilities under New Zealand tenancy law is crucial. Here’s what you need to know:

• Tenancy Agreements: Read the agreement carefully before signing, including all terms and conditions. Only sign if you’re sure you want the property, and keep a signed copy for your records. Ensure you have the landlord’s contact details.
• Initial Inspection: Inspect the property with your landlord, noting its condition and any existing damage. Ask questions and address concerns upfront to prevent issues later.
• Rent and Bond Payments: Rent is paid weekly or fortnightly, and a bond of up to four weeks’ rent is held by Tenancy Services. Ensure you can afford upfront costs, such as the bond and rent in advance, before committing.

Open communication with your landlord and understanding your obligations will help ensure a smooth renting experience.

Under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), tenants and landlords must keep their contact details current to ensure clear communication throughout the tenancy. This includes updating phone numbers, email addresses, or physical addresses if they change. Maintaining accurate contact details is essential for receiving notices, bond refunds, and resolving any issues during or after the tenancy​

How to Update Your Contact Details:

• Notify Your Landlord or Tenant: If your contact details change, promptly inform the other party in writing.
• Bond Record Updates: Update your contact details with Tenancy Services for bond-related matters. You can do this via the Tenancy Services website or by contacting their helpline.

By keeping your details updated, you demonstrate accountability and help foster a respectful rental relationship. For more information, visit the official Tenancy Services site​.

You can change a tenancy agreement, but only if both the landlord and tenant agree. This might include changes like adding a flatmate, updating rent, or extending the tenancy period.

Simple Steps:

1. Talk and Agree: Both sides must agree to the changes first.
2. Put it in Writing: Write down the changes and make sure everyone signs them.
3. Keep a Copy: Both tenant and landlord should keep a signed copy for their records.

These updates don’t change the rest of the agreement unless you agree to it. For more help, visit Tenancy Services​

In New Zealand, whether pets are allowed in a rental property depends on the tenancy agreement. Landlords can choose to allow or prohibit pets, so it’s essential to check the agreement before bringing a pet into the property.

Key Points:

• Landlord’s Permission: If the agreement doesn’t mention pets, you must ask the landlord for approval.
• Adding Pets Later: If you get a pet during the tenancy, update the agreement with written permission from the landlord.
• Damage Responsibility: Tenants are responsible for any damage caused by their pets, even if pets are allowed.

For more details, visit Tenancy Services

The Healthy Homes Standards, introduced under New Zealand tenancy law, aim to ensure rental properties are warm, dry, and safe, supporting better health outcomes for tenants. Landlords must comply with these standards, which cover five key areas:

1. Heating: Rental properties must have a fixed heater capable of warming the main living area to at least 18°C.
2. Insulation: Ceiling and underfloor insulation are required to meet specific R-value standards.
3. Ventilation: Properties must have windows in key rooms and extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
4. Moisture and Drainage: Proper drainage and measures to prevent moisture entering the home are mandatory.
5. Draught Stopping: Gaps and holes that cause noticeable draughts must be sealed.

Landlords must meet these standards within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy agreement (starting from July 2021). Tenants are encouraged to report non-compliance to ensure their homes meet the required conditions.

For more information, visit Tenancy Services or HUD Healthy Homes Standards.

Through our Kāinga Tau programme we can provide you with a Healthy Homes Report.

As a tenant in New Zealand, you have specific responsibilities to help keep the rental property in good condition. This ensures compliance with the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and supports a respectful landlord-tenant relationship.

Key Responsibilities:

1. General Maintenance:
   • Keep the property clean and tidy.
   • Promptly report any damage or issues to the landlord. Neglecting to do so could make you liable for further damage.
2. Minor Repairs:
   • Tenants are responsible for minor tasks, like changing lightbulbs or smoke alarm batteries, unless stated otherwise in the tenancy agreement.
3. Inspections:
   • Landlords are allowed to inspect the property, but they must give at least 48 hours’ written notice and can only do so once every four weeks.
   • You must provide reasonable access for inspections, maintenance, or repairs.
4. Damage:
   • Tenants are liable for any damage they or their guests cause, whether accidental or intentional.

For more details, visit Tenancy Services or the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Ending a tenancy in New Zealand must follow rules set by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). The process depends on the type of tenancy (fixed-term or periodic).

Key Points:

1. Notice Periods:
   • Tenants must give at least 28 days’ written notice to end a periodic tenancy.
   • For fixed-term tenancies, you cannot end the agreement early unless both parties agree, or there are special circumstances like a Tribunal order.
2. Final Inspection:
   • Before leaving, the landlord and tenant should conduct a final inspection to check the property’s condition.
3. Bond Refunds:
   • If the property is left clean, damage-free, and rent is fully paid, the bond can be refunded through Tenancy Services.
4. Key Return:
   • Return all keys on your last day to finalize your tenancy.

For more guidance, visit Tenancy Services.

In New Zealand, tenancy disputes are a common part of the rental process, and understanding how to address them is crucial for both tenants and landlords. The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) provides a legal framework that governs the rights and responsibilities of both parties to prevent and resolve disputes.

Common Causes of Tenancy Disputes

1. Rent and Bond Issues
   One of the most common areas of conflict involves disputes over rent payments and the return of the bond. Tenants may face difficulties when the landlord withholds the bond for repairs or unpaid rent, while landlords may dispute the tenant’s responsibility for damages or unpaid rent.
2. Property Maintenance and Repairs
   Tenants and landlords often disagree over who is responsible for property repairs. Tenants may feel that the landlord has not addressed maintenance issues, while landlords may feel that tenants have caused unnecessary damage to the property.
3. Healthy Homes Standards
   As of July 2021, landlords must meet the Healthy Homes Standards, which include specific requirements for heating, insulation, and ventilation. Disputes often arise when tenants feel these standards have not been met, or landlords argue that they are not responsible for certain issues.
4. Termination of Tenancy
   Disagreements about ending the tenancy can also be common. This may involve disputes over notice periods, the condition of the property at move-out, or issues relating to a fixed-term tenancy.

How to Resolve Tenancy Disputes

1. Open Communication
   Many disputes can be resolved through direct communication between tenants and landlords. It’s important to keep all correspondence in writing, especially when dealing with repair requests or payment issues.
2. Mediation Services
   If direct communication doesn’t resolve the issue, tenants and landlords can seek help from Tenancy Services’ mediation service. Mediation allows both parties to reach an agreement with the help of an impartial mediator.
3. Tribunal
   If mediation fails, either party can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for a decision. The Tribunal is a legal body that hears disputes between tenants and landlords and can issue binding decisions. Disputes typically involve issues like unpaid rent, bond claims, or breaches of the tenancy agreement.
4. Legal Rights and Resources
   Both tenants and landlords have access to legal resources. Tenancy Services, under the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE), provides advice and support. Legal representation may be needed for serious disputes, especially those involving significant financial issues or breaches of tenancy laws.

Conclusion

Tenancy disputes in New Zealand can often be avoided through clear communication and understanding of each party’s rights and obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act. However, when conflicts do arise, resources such as mediation and the Tenancy Tribunal provide a clear path for resolution. Tenants and landlords should be proactive in understanding their responsibilities to maintain a positive and lawful rental experience.

For more information on resolving tenancy disputes, visit Tenancy Services and MBIE’s Dispute Resolution.