Housing & renting
How does bond work when I rent in New Zealand?
Bond is money held for unpaid rent or damage beyond fair wear — landlords must lodge it with Tenancy Services.
Bond is not the same as rent in advance. A landlord may ask for a general bond (up to four weeks’ rent in many situations) and, where allowed, a pet bond. Receipts matter — and bond must be lodged with Tenancy Services within the official timeframe (check tenancy.govt.nz for the current working-day rule).
When you move out, take dated photos, return keys as agreed, and leave a forwarding address so bond can be returned. If there is a dispute about deductions, Tenancy Services explains the claim and dispute pathways.
This is not legal advice. Tenancy Services (0800 836 262) is the official first stop for bond questions.
Calm next moves
- Keep your bond lodgement details somewhere safe.
- Photo every room on move-in and move-out.
- Tenancy Services — 0800 836 262
Official resources
Always confirm details on the official site — laws and processes can change.
Educational signposting only from the Resilience Programme. Not legal, financial, or medical advice. Updated 2026-07-10.