Rent increase or notice: what is the earliest date?

A landlord can raise the rent only once every 12 months, and must give at least 60 days of written notice first. A tenant ending a periodic tenancy must give at least 21 days of notice, and the clock only starts the day after the notice is treated as received.

This is general information, not legal advice.

The quick rules

• Rent increases: at least 12 months after the tenancy started and 12 months after the last increase. The notice must be in writing, at least 60 days, and state the new rent and the date it starts.
• Tenant ending a periodic tenancy: at least 21 days of notice (in force since 30 January 2025).
• Landlord ending a periodic tenancy without a reason: at least 90 days of notice (since 30 January 2025).
• Landlord with a listed reason: at least 42 days. Listed reasons include the owner moving in, an unconditional sale, or housing for an employee or contractor.

How the days are counted

Termination notices and rent increases use calendar days, so weekends count. Delivery uses working days, and public holidays are left out.

Tenancy Services says the notice period starts the day after the notice is received. When it counts as received depends on how it was delivered.

• Handed over in person: immediately.
• Letterbox or attached to the door: 2 working days after delivery.
• Post: 4 working days after posting.
• Email sent before 5pm: the same day. After 5pm: the next working day.

Email only works if the address is the one listed in the tenancy agreement for service. Electronic notices have been allowed since 20 March 2025.

Fixed-term tenancies

Neither side can usually end a fixed-term tenancy early. There are limited exceptions. A rent increase during a fixed term is allowed only if the agreement says so.

Since 30 January 2025, a fixed-term tenancy turns into a periodic one at the end unless either side gives notice 90 to 21 days before it expires, or both agree to something else. This applies to tenancies expiring after 1 May 2025.

Two changes that are not about dates

Pets: since 1 December 2025, tenants can keep a pet with the landlord's written consent, which can only be refused on reasonable grounds. Pet bonds are capped at 2 weeks of rent. Rent increase rules were not changed by these reforms, as far as the official pages show.

The catch

The earliest date is not the date on the letter. A notice that is posted, or sent to the wrong email address, can start days late. If the notice period falls short by even one day, the notice may be challenged. Landlords should send early and keep proof. Tenants should check the date the increase starts, not just the amount.

Do this next

1. Check the tenancy start date and the date of the last increase. Count 12 months.
2. Pick the delivery method and work out the received date.
3. Add the notice days starting from the day after that date.
4. Write the notice, with the new rent and the start date, and keep a copy.
5. If you disagree with a notice or a rent level, talk first, then contact Tenancy Services. The Tenancy Tribunal can decide disputes.

Want the date worked out for you? Use our tenancy notice and rent increase checker.

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Last reviewed 3 October 2026. Written by The Daily Kiwi from the official pages listed above.