Rent increase and tenancy notice checker
Check a rent increase notice, or work out the earliest date a tenancy can end. Quick answer first, fine print below.
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The rent increase rules
A landlord can raise the rent, but only in set ways.
| Rule | What it says |
|---|---|
| How often | Once every 12 months. The 12 months run from the start of the tenancy or the last increase |
| Notice | 60 days in writing (28 days for a boarding house). It has to say the new rent and the day it is due |
| Fixed-term tenancy | Only if the agreement allows it |
| How much | The law does not limit the size of the increase |
If you think your rent is well above what similar homes cost, Tenancy Services has a market rent tool, and tenants can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal. Check the time limits on the Tenancy Services website.
Ending a periodic tenancy
| Who | Reason | Notice |
|---|---|---|
| Tenant | Any | 21 days in writing, unless the landlord agrees to less |
| Landlord | No reason given | 90 days |
| Landlord | Owner or family member needs it as their main home | 42 days |
| Landlord | Property is for an employee or contractor | 42 days |
| Landlord | Sold with vacant possession required | 42 days |
These rules came in on 30 January 2025, when landlords again became able to end a periodic tenancy without giving a reason. A landlord cannot give notice in retaliation for a tenant using their rights, and tenants can challenge a notice they believe was retaliatory.
Fixed-term tenancies
A fixed-term tenancy cannot generally be ended early unless both sides agree. At the end of the fixed term it turns into a periodic tenancy automatically, unless either side gives notice before it ends (Tenancy Services says between 90 and 21 days before the end date), or both agree to something else.
Before you act on a date
This tool gives you the earliest date from the simple rules. Real notices can be affected by how the notice is delivered, the exact way days are counted, and special cases such as boarding houses or Housing New Zealand tenancies. If a date matters, confirm it on Tenancy Services before you rely on it.
Questions people ask
How much notice does a landlord have to give for a rent increase in NZ?
60 days written notice for a normal tenancy, or 28 days for a boarding house. The notice has to say the new rent and the day it is due.
How often can rent go up in New Zealand?
Once every 12 months. The 12 months count from the start of the tenancy or the date of the last increase.
Is there a limit on how much rent can increase by?
No. The law does not limit how much a landlord can increase rent by, but tenants who think it is well above market rent can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal.
How much notice does a tenant have to give?
At least 21 days written notice to end a periodic tenancy, unless the landlord agrees to a shorter time.
Can a landlord end a tenancy without a reason?
Yes. Since 30 January 2025 a landlord can end a periodic tenancy with 90 days notice without giving a reason. The notice cannot be given in retaliation.
How much notice does a landlord need if they are selling or moving in?
42 days, if the owner or a family member needs the home as their main residence, the home is for an employee or contractor, or it has been sold with vacant possession required.
Can a landlord raise rent during a fixed-term tenancy?
Only if the tenancy agreement allows it.
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Sources: Tenancy Services: rent increases, Tenancy Services: ending a periodic tenancy, Tenancy Services: changes to tenancy terminations now in force.