My fixed-term lease is ending. How do I give notice if I don't want to renew? Does it renew automatically?
Give your landlord written notice between 90 and 21 days before the end date. You do not need to give a reason. The notice must include the address and the end date, and you must sign it. If no one gives notice on time and you have not agreed something else, the tenancy becomes a periodic tenancy when the fixed term ends.
Official figures
- How often rent can go up
- Only after 12 months from the start of the tenancy, and at least 12 months since the last rent increase (the same for periodic and fixed-term tenancies)1
- Notice for a rent increase
- At least 60 days' written notice; at least 28 days for a boarding house1
- How much rent can go up
- The law does not limit the amount of an increase, but it sets the process for increasing rent and what tenants can do if they disagree1
- Rent increases in a fixed-term tenancy
- The landlord can increase the rent only if the tenancy agreement says it can be increased1
- Tenant ending a periodic tenancy
- At least 21 days' written notice2
Official sources
- Rent increases and reductionsTenancy Services (MBIE) · tenancy.govt.nz
- Tenancy law changesTenancy Services (MBIE) · tenancy.govt.nz
- AccessTenancy Services (MBIE) · tenancy.govt.nz
- InspectionsTenancy Services (MBIE) · tenancy.govt.nz
Read the full guide: Renting rights: repairs, rent increases and notice to end a tenancy →
People also ask
- My landlord says the rent goes up next month. Is that allowed? How much notice must they give?
- How many times a year can my landlord increase the rent? Is there a limit on how much?
- I have a periodic tenancy. How many days' notice must I give before I move out?
- My landlord is selling the house and gave me 42 days to leave. Is that legal?
- Can my landlord come for an inspection without telling me? How often can they inspect?
- My hot water cylinder is broken and the landlord won't fix it. Can I stop paying rent?
Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
How does this apply to me?
Tell us your situation for practical next steps, with official sources. Try a free question — no sign-in needed.
Share after you sign in with Google and your link will carry your invite code: when a friend signs up through it, you get 20 more questions. You can still share without signing in — it just won’t earn anything.Your link includes your invite code. When a friend signs up through it, you get 20 more questions (up to 10 friends).
Tap “···” at the top right to send to a friend or share to Moments