Phase 1 – law changes took effect 12 August 2020
Transitional and emergency housing is exempt from the Act and Rent can only be increased every 12 months.
Transitional and emergency housing is exempt from the Act
From 12 August 2020, transitional and emergency housing is exempt from the Residential Tenancies Act (the Act) where the housing is:
- funded (wholly or partly) by a government department, or
- provided under the Special Needs Grants Programme(external link).
This exemption is applicable for all people (new and existing clients) in transitional and emergency housing that meets the criteria above.
Providers of transitional and emergency housing are still able to opt in to parts of the Act if they wish, by agreeing in writing with the client which parts will apply.
A Code of Practice is being developed to set out expectations for transitional housing.
Rent can only be increased every 12 months
From 12 August 2020, rent increases are limited to once every 12 months. This is a change from once every 180 days (6 months). Our rent increases webpage has more information on how this rule will apply.
Any rent increase notices given to tenants from 12 August 2020 must comply with the new 12-month rule. If a notice was given before 12 August 2020, it is still within the 180-day rule.
More information about the law changes(external link) — Ministry of Housing and Urban Development website
Read updated section 24 of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986(external link) — New Zealand Legislation website
