Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Residential Tenancies Act 1986

Tenancy agreements - Preliminary matters

13: Tenancy agreement must be in writing and signed

You could also call this:

"Renters and landlords must sign a written agreement before moving in."

Illustration for Residential Tenancies Act 1986

You need a written tenancy agreement when you rent a place. The landlord must make sure the agreement is in writing. They must sign it and give you a copy before you move in. You must sign the tenancy agreement. If the landlord does not follow these rules, they do something wrong. They can get a fine or an infringement fee, which is listed in the Schedule 1B. The landlord and you must follow these rules to have a proper tenancy agreement. This helps you know what you and the landlord are responsible for. It is an important part of renting a place in New Zealand.

This text is automatically generated. It might be out of date or be missing some parts. Find out more about how we do this.

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM95022.

This page was last updated on — View changes

Previous

12A: Choice of procedures, or

"You can choose one way to solve a problem: use the Tribunal or make a complaint."

Next

13A: Contents of tenancy agreement, or

"What your rental agreement must include"

Part 2Tenancy agreements
Preliminary matters

13Tenancy agreement must be in writing and signed

  1. The landlord must ensure that the tenancy agreement is in writing.

  2. The landlord must, before the tenancy commences,—

  3. sign the tenancy agreement; and
    1. provide a copy of the tenancy agreement to the tenant (whether or not the tenant has signed it).

      1. The tenant must sign the tenancy agreement.

      2. A landlord who fails to comply with subsection (1) or (2)—

      3. commits an unlawful act; and
        1. commits an infringement offence and is liable to a fine or an infringement fee specified in Schedule 1B.

          Notes
          • Section 13: replaced, on , by section 7 of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 59).