Note: This was accurate at time of publishing. For the most up-to-date information about Alert Level requirements see COVID-19 - information for landlords and tenants.

Information for landlords and tenants

Read the information and frequently asked questions for landlords and tenants on COVID-19 restrictions on our website.

COVID-19 - information for landlords and tenants

For general information about COVID-19 see the Government's central COVID-19 website.(external link)

Important information for landlords and tenants at Alert Level 3 or 4

Alert Level 4

• Everyone must stay in their current place of residence where possible. Tenants can only move house if:
  • required to do so by a court order (including a Tenancy Tribunal Order) or
  • they need to use a temporary or emergency home. For example, if they need care while sick or to seek refuge from family violence or
  • required by law to move for the purposes of detention or to move to a different place of residence that is determined for example by the Police or New Zealand Parole Board.
• Landlords must not visit their tenants or carry out in-person inspections. Tradespeople can carry out urgent repairs where there is an immediate risk to health and safety.
• There will be no face-to-face Tribunal or mediation hearings. Where possible, hearings will take place over teleconference. If this is not possible, the hearing will be rescheduled. If you have a hearing scheduled during COVID-19 Alert Level 4, teams will be in contact by phone, email or text, to let you know what this means for you.

 Alert Level 3

• During Alert Level 3 tenants can move house to an area that is at Alert Level 3, as long as this does not involve travel through an Alert Level 4 area. Removal companies can assist with moving (following appropriate Alert Level requirements). Friends and family can’t help you move at Alert Level 3, unless they are already part of your bubble.
• During Alert Level 3, landlords should not carry out any in-person property inspections unless there is an immediate risk to the health and safety of the tenant, for example, if the landlord needs to confirm that emergency maintenance is required.
• At Alert Level 3, tradespeople may carry out repairs. During maintenance, physical distancing must be maintained and hygiene measures followed. Records should be kept for contact tracing purposes.
• There will be no face-to-face Tribunal or mediation hearings. Where possible, hearings will take place over teleconference. If this is not possible, the hearing will be rescheduled. If you have a hearing scheduled during COVID-19 Alert Level 3, teams will be in contact, by phone, email or text, to let you know what this means for you.

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