Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

 Plain Language Law homepage
Back to
39: Responsibility for outgoings
or “The landlord pays for general costs, while the tenant pays for things they use themselves.”
You could also call this:

“This explains what you need to do and what you can't do when you rent a house or flat.”

As a tenant, you have several responsibilities when renting a place to live. You need to pay your rent on time and use the property mainly as a home. You should keep the place clean and tidy, and follow the rules about smoke alarms. If you notice any damage or things that need fixing, you should tell your landlord right away.

When you move out, you have to leave the property, take all your things with you, and make sure it’s clean and tidy. You also need to give back any keys or security cards the landlord gave you, and leave behind anything that belongs to the landlord.

You’re not allowed to damage the property on purpose or by being careless. You can’t block fire escapes or use the property for anything against the law. It’s important to be considerate of your neighbours and not disturb their peace and privacy.

If your agreement says how many people can live in the property, you need to stick to that number. Breaking these rules can be against the law, especially if you don’t leave when you’re supposed to, block fire escapes, use the property for illegal activities, or bother your neighbours a lot.

There are rules about what happens if you damage the property, which you can find in sections 49A and 49B. Remember, when the law talks about ‘premises’, it usually includes any facilities that come with your rental.

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 It might be out of date or be missing some parts.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

Next up: 41: Tenant's responsibility for actions of others

or “The tenant is responsible for what other people do in the home, even if the tenant didn't do it themselves.”
Next

Part 2 Tenancy agreements
Rights and obligations of parties

40Tenant's responsibilities

  1. The tenant shall—

  2. pay the rent as and when it is due and payable under the tenancy agreement; and
    1. ensure that the premises are occupied principally for residential purposes; and
      1. keep the premises reasonably clean and reasonably tidy; and
        1. comply with all requirements in respect of smoke alarms imposed on the tenant by regulations made under section 138A; and
          1. notify the landlord, as soon as possible after discovery, of any damage to the premises, or of the need for any repairs; and
            1. on the termination of the tenancy,—
              1. quit the premises; and
                1. remove all his or her goods from the premises; and
                  1. leave the premises in a reasonably clean and reasonably tidy condition, and remove or arrange for the removal from the premises of all rubbish; and
                    1. return to the landlord all keys, and security or pass cards or other such devices, provided by the landlord for the use of the tenant; and
                      1. leave in or at the premises all other chattels provided by the landlord for the use of the tenant.

                      2. The tenant shall not—

                      3. intentionally or carelessly damage, or permit any other person to damage, the premises; or
                        1. cause or permit any interference with, or render inoperative, any means of escape from fire within the meaning of the Building Act 2004; or
                          1. use the premises, or permit the premises to be used, for any unlawful purpose; or
                            1. cause or permit any interference with the reasonable peace, comfort, or privacy of any of the landlord's other tenants in the use of the premises occupied by those other tenants, or with the reasonable peace, comfort, or privacy of any other person residing in the neighbourhood.

                              1. Where the tenancy agreement specifies a maximum number of persons that may ordinarily reside in the premises during the tenancy, the tenant shall ensure that no more than that number ordinarily reside in the premises at any time during the tenancy.

                              2. The following are declared to be unlawful acts:

                              3. a failure, without reasonable excuse, to quit the premises in contravention of subsection (1)(e)(i):
                                1. a contravention of subsection (2)(ab):
                                  1. a contravention of subsection (2)(b):
                                    1. a contravention of subsection (2)(c) in circumstances that amount to harassment of a tenant or a neighbour of the tenant:
                                      1. a contravention, without reasonable excuse, of subsection (3).

                                        1. See sections 49A and 49B in relation to the tenant’s liability for a contravention of subsection (2)(a).

                                        2. Repealed

                                        3. In this section, unless the context otherwise requires, premises includes facilities.

                                        Compare
                                        • 1952 No 51 s 116D
                                        • 1975 No 36 s 10
                                        • Residential Tenancies Act 1978–1981 ss 42, 43 (SA)
                                        Notes
                                        • Section 40(1)(ca): inserted, on , by section 12 of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 26).
                                        • Section 40(1)(e)(iv): inserted, on , by section 18 of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 7).
                                        • Section 40(1)(e)(v): inserted, on , by section 18 of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 7).
                                        • Section 40(2)(ab): inserted, on , by section 26(1) of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 95).
                                        • Section 40(3): amended, on , by section 26(2) of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 95).
                                        • Section 40(3A): inserted, on , by section 26(3) of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2010 (2010 No 95).
                                        • Section 40(3B): inserted, on , by section 6(1) of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 37).
                                        • Section 40(4): repealed, on , by section 6(2) of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 37).