When your tenancy begins, your landlord will give you the keys on move-in day. They’ll keep a set too, but that doesn’t mean they can come and go whenever they like. By law, they can only enter the property for inspections, maintenance, or emergencies, and they must always give you the right amount of notice unless it’s urgent.

Inspections are part of renting, and most properties will be checked every three months. Your landlord needs to give you at least 48 hours’ written notice before an inspection, and they’ll usually be done fairly quickly. You don’t have to be home, but it’s best to leave a note to highlight any property or maintenance concerns.

Your landlord is responsible for making sure the property complies with
New Zealand’s tenancy laws, including the Healthy Homes Standards.
These standards cover heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture control,
drainage, and draught stopping to ensure your rental is warm, dry and safe

If you’re on a periodic tenancy, you must give your property manager at least 21 days’ written notice before moving out.

If you’re on a fixed-term tenancy, things are a little different. You are committed until the end date you agreed to when signing. If you need to leave early, you’ll need your property manager’s
agreement, and there are usually costs involved. Costs like advertising, viewings, and background checks of replacement tenants can be charged to you, so it’s worth checking that carefully before
making any decisions. You must, however, still confirm that you will terminate a fixed-term tenancy or sign an extension at least 21 days prior to the tenancy end date.

If you’re breaking a fixed-term tenancy you will need to leave the property reasonably clean and tidy, just as you would at the end of any tenancy .

• Tenants must obtain written consent from their landlord before keeping a pet
• Landlords must have reasonable grounds to decline a request - for example, if the property is unsuitable for pets or restricted by local bylaws. 
• Landlords must respond within 21 days to any written request from a tenant.
• Fair conditions can be set when granting consent, such as requiring carpet cleaning at the end of the tenancy or payment of a pet bond. 
• If a landlord unreasonably refuses consent or fails to respond within 21 days, they may face a fine of up to $1,500.
• Tenants who keep a pet without consent could face a fine of up to $750.

DO I NEED INSURANCE?
Your landlord is responsible for insuring the building itself, but that doesn’t cover your belongings. Tenants are strongly encouraged to get contents insurance so your personal items are protected in case of theft, fire or damage. Tenant insurance should also coveryou for any liability in the event of an accident or careless damage during the tenancy.Importantly, contents insurance can also cover the cost of alternative accommodation if the property becomes uninhabitable due to events such as a flood or earthquake. This is
not the landlord’s responsibility.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TENANT AND A FLATMATE?
A tenant has signed on the tenancy agreement and has legal rights and responsibilities.
A flatmate isn’t on the agreement, which means they don’t have the same protections, and tenants remain legally responsible for the full rent, even if flatmates don’t pay their share.

WHO LOOKS AFTER SMOKE ALARMS?
Your landlord must provide and maintain working smoke alarms at the start of your tenancy. Tenants are responsible for checking them regularly and reporting any faults. Removing or tampering with a unit can result in fines for the tenant.

WHAT ABOUT MOULD?
Mould can be a shared responsibility. Your landlord must make sure the property is properly insulated and ventilated. As a tenant, you need to use extractor fans, open windows when possible, and keep the place aired and clean. If you notice mould, raise it quickly with your landlord so they can help.

WHAT ARE THE NOISE RULES?
Every tenant has the right to enjoy their home in peace. At the same time, you’re expected to respect your neighbours and keep noise to a reasonable level. Councils have noise control rules and excessive noise could lead to complaints and a possible breach of your tenancy
agreement.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I CAN’T PAY RENT ON TIME?
Always let your landlord know as soon as possible. Rent is legally required to be paid in advance, and unpaid rent is the most common reason bonds are held back. Communication is key. Your landlord may be able to work with you on a solution if you’re upfront.