Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

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You could also call this:

“This part tells us the name of the law and when it starts working.”

This law is called the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. You can use this name when you talk about it or look it up.

The law started working on 1 February 1987. This means that from this date, people had to follow the rules in this Act.

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Next up: 2: Interpretation

or “This section explains the meaning of important words and terms used in the law about renting homes.”

1Short Title and commencement

  1. This Act may be cited as the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.

  2. This Act shall come into force on 1 February 1987.