Renting Guide
How much can my landlord increase my rent by?
To help take the stress out of renting we've rounded up a simple guide around rent increases in New Zealand.
Last updated: 29 October 2024
Renting in New Zealand isn’t exactly cheap, and when rent increases roll around, it can really pile on the stress. The good news? There are rules in place about how often and by how much your landlord can raise the rent. Knowing your rights means you’ll be better prepared — and ready to push back if things aren’t fair.
Here’s the lowdown on everything you need to know about rent increases in NZ.
How often can my landlord increase my rent?
Landlords in New Zealand can increase rent only once every 12 months for both fixed-term and periodic tenancies. The first rent increase can’t happen until at least 12 months after the tenancy starts.
Fixed-term tenancy tip: Your landlord can only raise rent during a fixed period if it’s clearly allowed in the tenancy agreement. Always double-check this before signing.
Check out our top tips for renters in NZ.
Can tenants agree to more frequent increases?
In some situations, landlords and tenants can agree to rent increases within the 12-month period if the landlord has:
- Substantially improved the property (e.g., renovated the kitchen).
- Changed the agreement for your benefit (e.g., allowed pets).
- Incurred unforeseen costs (e.g., emergency repairs).
If you don’t agree to the increase, the landlord can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal to decide what is fair.
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If you feel your landlord's rent increase is not fair there are options.
How much notice does my landlord need to give?
Landlords need to give at least 60 days' written notice for any rent increase. For boarding houses, the notice period is 28 days.
The written notice must be delivered either:
- In person: Received immediately.
- In the mailbox: Considered received after 2 working days.
- Email: Considered received the same day if sent before 5 PM; otherwise, the next working day.
Already received a rent increase notice? Check your options and next steps here.
How much can my landlord increase my rent by?
There’s no specific law in New Zealand governing how much rent can be increased. However, landlords must keep rent increases reasonable and consistent with market rates. If you believe the increase is too high, you can challenge it.
Hot tip: Use Trade Me Property to compare rents for similar homes in your area. If your rent is much higher, you might have a case for the Tenancy Tribunal to lower it.
Know your rights, stay informed
Rent hikes can feel like a real headache, but knowing the rules puts you in the driver’s seat. Stay ahead of the game and check out our full guide on rent increases. Once you know your stuff, give your tenancy agreement a once-over, keep tabs on similar rentals on Trade Me, and if the increase feels off, don’t be shy about taking it to the Tenancy Tribunal. You've got this!
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