Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

We haven’t prepared a plain language version of this yet

We haven’t created a plain language version of this legislation yet. We’re working through New Zealand’s laws to make them more accessible to everyone, focusing on areas that impact the most people first.

If you’d like to see this particular legislation explained in plain language, please email us at hello@ackama.com with the subject “Plain language law” and mention this page — we’ll be happy to add it to our priority list.

Request a plain language version

Part 2Tenancy agreements
Rights and obligations of parties

42BMinor changes

  1. Without limiting section 42A(1), it is unreasonable for a landlord to withhold consent to a minor change to premises.

  2. In this section and section 42A, a minor change is any fixture, renovation, alteration, or addition of or to the premises that—

  3. presents no more than a low risk of material damage to the premises; and
    1. would allow the premises to be returned easily to substantially the same condition; and
      1. does not pose a risk to health and safety (including during work to install, remove, or undo the minor change) that cannot reasonably practicably be eliminated or minimised; and
        1. does not compromise the structural integrity, weathertightness, or character of any building; and
          1. would not have an unreasonable negative effect on any person’s enjoyment or use of any property outside the premises; and
            1. does not require any regulatory consent (for example, a building consent); and
              1. does not breach any obligation or restriction relevant to the premises (for example, an obligation or a restriction imposed by a bylaw, a planning or body corporate rule, or a covenant).

                1. A landlord commits an unlawful act if the landlord withholds consent for a minor change.

                2. If a minor change is made in accordance with a request under section 42A, the tenant must, on or before the expiry of the tenancy, return the premises to a condition that is substantially the same as the condition that the premises were in before the minor change was made.

                3. Subsection (4) does not apply if the landlord and the tenant agree a different arrangement in relation to the minor change for the end of the tenancy (for example, that the minor change will remain in place).

                4. A tenant who fails to comply with subsection (4) commits an unlawful act.

                Notes
                • Section 42B: inserted, on , by section 23 of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2020 (2020 No 59).