Landlord Tenancy Agreement Template for New Zealand

The Landlord Tenancy Agreement serves as the foundational legal document for residential property rentals in New Zealand. It is designed to comply with the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 and related legislation, including the recent Healthy Homes Standards. This agreement should be used whenever a residential property is being rented to tenants in New Zealand, whether for a fixed term or periodic tenancy. It contains mandatory provisions required by law while allowing for customization based on specific property characteristics and arrangements between parties. The document addresses key aspects such as rent, bond, maintenance obligations, property access, and termination procedures, ensuring both landlords and tenants understand their rights and responsibilities. It incorporates recent legislative changes and requirements, making it suitable for current use in the New Zealand residential rental market.

1. Parties: Identification of the landlord and tenant(s), including full legal names and contact details

2. Background: Brief context setting out the purpose of the agreement and property details

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement and their meanings

4. Property Details: Specific description of the rental property, including address and any excluded areas

5. Term of Tenancy: Whether periodic or fixed-term, start date, and if fixed-term, the end date

6. Rent and Bond: Rental amount, payment frequency, payment method, bond amount, and bond lodgment details

7. Utilities and Outgoings: Responsibilities for payment of utilities, internet, and other property-related expenses

8. Maintenance and Repairs: Obligations regarding property maintenance, reporting of issues, and repair procedures

9. Healthy Homes Standards: Compliance statements and details regarding heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress, drainage, and draught stopping

10. Tenant Rights and Obligations: Standard tenant responsibilities including property care, reporting damage, and behavior expectations

11. Landlord Rights and Obligations: Standard landlord responsibilities including maintenance, repairs, and property access

12. Insurance: Landlord's insurance details and tenant's obligations regarding insurance

13. Access and Inspections: Rules and notice periods for landlord access and property inspections

14. Termination: Conditions and procedures for ending the tenancy

15. Dispute Resolution: Process for resolving disputes between parties

16. General Provisions: Standard legal clauses including entire agreement, modification, and governing law

17. Execution: Signing details and date of agreement