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A tenants’ advocacy group says renters are increasingly having their tenancies prematurely ended, as landlords make moves before new rules set in.
It comes as new rules for tenants and landlords set in this Thursday, bringing an end to 90-day tenancy terminations without justification.
It’s the biggest shake-up for landlord-tenant relations for decades.
There are three phases to the reforms – the first came in on 11 August last year, which meant landlords could only increase the rent once a year.
The new rules coming in on 11 February are the second phase, while the third phase, which will allow tenancies to be terminated if family violence or landlord assault has occurred, will come in on 11 August this year.
The second phase, however, is the most substantial of the three.
It means tenants will be able to make minor changes to the property – for example replacing curtains, or hanging up pictures – and landlords can’t decline it.
All rental properties will have to show a rental price, so tenants can’t bid on them – which often drives the price up.
Additionally, name suppression will be available to those who are successful at the Tenancy Tribunal, avoiding renters who have taken their landlord to the tribunal to be blacklisted.
Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) chief executive Bindi Norwell said the new RTA (Residential Tenancies Act) changes would try to get more balance between the tenants and the landlords.
“Quite frankly, they were very outdated and so they needed to be reviewed.
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