How Rental Bonds Work in New Zealand
When you move into a rental property in New Zealand, your landlord may require a bond of up to four weeks' rent. The bond is lodged with Tenancy Services (part of MBIE - the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment), which holds it during the tenancy. Your landlord does not hold the bond themselves.
From 1 December 2025, a second type of bond was introduced: the pet bond. Landlords can charge up to two weeks' additional rent as a pet bond if you have consent to keep a pet. The total general bond remains capped at four weeks' rent regardless of pets.
From 29 June 2026, all bond transactions - lodgements, refunds, changes of tenant and landlord - moved online through the Bond Hub system at Tenancy Services. Paper forms are no longer accepted.
All NZ bond transactions are now processed online through Bond Hub at tenancy.govt.nz. If your landlord has not yet set up Bond Hub access, they must do so. You can track the status of your bond lodgement online.
What Changed in NZ Tenancy Law in 2025 and 2026
The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 introduced a series of changes that took effect from January to December 2025:
- From 30 January 2025: Landlords can end a periodic tenancy with 90 days' notice without giving a reason. Tenants' notice period to end a periodic tenancy reduced from 28 to 21 days.
- From 20 March 2025: Notices and documents can be served electronically. The Tenancy Tribunal can decide simple disputes on written submissions alone, without a hearing.
- From 1 December 2025: Pet bonds introduced. Landlords can charge up to two weeks' additional rent as a pet bond for new pets. Existing pets are exempt.
- From 29 June 2026: All bond transactions moved to online-only through Bond Hub. Paper forms no longer accepted.
- 2026: Tenancy Tribunal now has the power to declare retaliatory eviction notices "of no effect" and award exemplary damages.
What Evidence the Tenancy Tribunal Accepts
NZ Tenancy Tribunal hearings are simple and designed for self-representation. The Tribunal assesses bond disputes based on evidence, not on who argues more persuasively. Evidence that carries weight includes:
- Timestamped photographs taken at move-in and move-out
- A signed condition report from the start of the tenancy
- Written communications about property condition during the tenancy
- Receipts for professional cleaning or repairs you arranged
- Independent quotes for repair work claimed by the landlord
How to Dispute a Bond Claim in New Zealand
Receive the bond claim notice
A refund request can be submitted through Bond Hub. If the landlord submits it, Tenancy Services notifies the tenants, who normally have 12 working days to accept or dispute the proposed allocation.
Object in writing with evidence
If you dispute the claim, respond through Bond Hub within the response period shown in the notice, normally 12 working days. Attach your BondProof move-out report and any supporting documentation.
Apply to the Tenancy Tribunal if unresolved
Apply at tenancy.govt.nz. The filing fee is low (around $20 in 2026). Hearings can now be decided on written submissions alone for simple disputes - you may not need to attend in person.
Present your evidence
Your BondProof PDF report is structured for easy presentation. The Tribunal member can see the property condition at move-in and move-out side by side.
Document your property before it is too late
10 minutes at move-in or move-out. A timestamped PDF you can use in any dispute.
Get BondProof - AndroidFair Wear and Tear in New Zealand
Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (NZ), landlords cannot claim bond for fair wear and tear - the normal deterioration of a property from everyday living. This includes minor scuffs, faded paint, carpet wear from foot traffic, and small nail holes.
Damage beyond fair wear and tear - burns, significant stains, broken fixtures, pet damage - can be claimed from the bond. Since December 2025, pet damage is specifically covered: tenants are fully responsible for damage beyond fair wear and tear caused by their pets.
Bond Disputes and the Tenancy Tribunal Process
NZ Tenancy Tribunal hearings are one of the most accessible dispute resolution processes for renters. The filing fee is minimal, hearings are often virtual or on-papers, and you do not need legal representation. The Tribunal decides based on evidence. In 2026, the Tribunal also has new powers to award exemplary damages against landlords who make retaliatory claims.
BondProof is available for NZ renters. The timestamped inspection report is designed to present clearly in Tenancy Tribunal proceedings.