Can my landlord put my rent up, and how often?

General information from Lawmateanz

In New Zealand, rent can only go up once every 12 months. The first increase can't take effect until at least 12 months after your tenancy started, and there must be at least 12 months between increases.

Your landlord must give you at least 60 days' written notice, stating the new rent and the date it starts. In a fixed-term tenancy, the rent can only go up during the fixed term if your tenancy agreement allows it.

There's no set limit on how much rent can rise. If you think the new rent is well above what similar homes nearby are renting for, raise it with your landlord first, with examples. Tenancy Services' market rent tool can help. If that doesn't resolve it, you can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal. Time limits apply to some applications, so act promptly.

Your landlord can also ask for extra bond when the rent goes up, as long as the total bond stays within the legal maximum of four weeks' rent.

Tenancy Services has free guidance and templates, and Community Law Centres can help you check your situation.

Written by Lawmateanz, not by a lawyer. General information only, not legal advice about your situation. For advice about your own matter, talk to a lawyer.

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General information only. Answers are written by independent lawyers based only on what's in the question. They aren't legal advice about your situation and don't create a lawyer–client relationship. For advice about your own matter, talk to a lawyer directly.