How many times a year can my landlord increase the rent? Is there a limit on how much?
Your landlord can increase the rent only once every 12 months, and the law does not limit the amount. In a fixed-term tenancy, the rent can go up only if the tenancy agreement allows it. If you think the new rent is clearly higher than similar homes, talk to your landlord first. If you cannot agree, you can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for a market rent assessment.
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
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Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
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