Information for landlords and tenants

We have information for landlords and tenants on what you can and can’t do at each COVID-19 Alert Level. These include answers to frequently asked questions.

Important information for landlords and tenants at Alert Level 2 or 3

Alert Level 3

• During Alert Level 3 tenants can move house to an area that is at Alert Level 3.
• Tenants can only move between areas at different Alert Levels, for example out of an area at Alert Level 3, if they are required:
  • to do so by a court order or
  • 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.
• If tenants are moving within an area that is at Alert Level 3, removal companies can assist with moving (following the appropriate Alert Level requirements).
• Tenants must legally have documents on them to show that they are moving house at Alert Level 3, for example, their signed tenancy agreement.
• Landlords can carry out inspections and maintenance at Alert Level 3 with the tenant’s consent, however public health measures must be followed including physical distancing, record keeping and mask wearing.
• Landlords and tenants should discuss and agree on access requirements for maintenance or inspections. Tenants who have genuine concerns about access into their home during this time should talk to their landlord. If the inspection or maintenance is not urgent, landlords and tenants may agree to postpone to a later date.
• During Alert Level 3 there will be no face-to-face Tribunal hearings or mediations. Where possible, hearings and mediations will take place over teleconference. If this is not possible, the hearing or mediation will be rescheduled. If you have a hearing scheduled during Alert Level 3, we will be in contact by phone, email or text, to let you know what this means for you.

Alert Level 2

• Tenants in an Alert Level 2 area can move house between areas that are at Alert Level 2.
• If tenants are moving within an area at Alert Level 2, removal companies can assist with moving (following the conditions of physical distancing and contact tracing). People living in an Alert Level 2 area can also help you move.
• If moving for the purpose of relocating house on a permanent or long term basis involves needing to travel through an area at Alert Level 3 then you must so far as reasonably practicable, travel directly through the area at Alert Level 3 region without stopping. 
• Tenants can move house from an area at Alert Level 2 to an area at Alert Level 3 if they are moving to their main home or place of residence.
• Tenants travelling into or through Alert Level 3 must legally have documents on them to show that they are moving house, for example, their signed tenancy agreement.
• At Alert Level 2, landlords can carry out in-person property inspections, maintenance and viewings as long as public health guidance on physical distancing, record keeping and mask wearing are followed.
• At Alert level 2 Tenancy Tribunal hearings and mediation will be operating in-person (following the appropriate Alert Level health and safety requirements) and remotely by telephone. If you have a face to face Tenancy Tribunal hearing or mediation scheduled during Alert Level 2 and there is a change we will be in contact, by phone, email or text, to let you know what this means for you.

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