From 20 March 2025, landlords and tenants across New Zealand will see new rules introduced to clarify communication, reinforce smoking bans, and streamline Tenancy Tribunal hearings.

If you rent or own a rental property, here’s what’s changing.

Electronic communication gets easier

Landlords will now be able to serve notices and documents using an electronic address—if tenants have listed one as an address for service in the tenancy agreement.

This can be an email address, a mobile phone number (for texts), a fax number, or an instant messaging account.

Even after the tenancy ends, landlords can use the provided email address for up to two years when applying for mediation or making a claim to the Tenancy Tribunal.

Enforceable smoking bans

From 20 March 2025, landlords can ban smoking inside a rental property through the tenancy agreement.

If tenants breach the rule, the Tenancy Tribunal will be able to enforce the ban.

Landlords may also extend a smoking ban to outdoor areas such as garages, balconies, or gardens.

However, they will need to ensure the ban doesn’t interfere with a tenant’s right to quiet enjoyment of the property.

Fewer in-person Tenancy Tribunal hearings

Landlords may no longer need to attend Tenancy Tribunal hearings in person for many applications.

The Tribunal may decide cases based on the application and supporting documents alone.

In-person attendance is still required for cases involving terminating a tenancy, a landlord’s right of entry, or boarding room issues.

What this means for landlords and tenants

These changes aim to make things clearer and more convenient for landlords and tenants across the country.

Landlords are encouraged to review their tenancy agreements to ensure they reflect the new laws.

For Coasties, local property managers are also preparing for the changes and updating agreements to keep everything compliant.

For full details, visit tenancy.govt.nz

Got a local story?

We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]