As a landlord in New Zealand, it’s important to understand the updated notice periods for ending tenancies under the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024. These changes affect both periodic and fixed-term tenancies.

1. Periodic Tenancies (Ongoing or “month-to-month”)

You can end a periodic tenancy by giving:

90 days’ notice without needing to provide a specific reason. This is often referred to as a “no cause” termination. However, this must not be used in retaliation to a tenant exercising their legal rights. Its good to give a reason.
42 days’ notice if:

You or a family member will be moving into the property for at least 90 days.
The property is required for an employee or contractor (this must be stated in the tenancy agreement).
The property has been sold and vacant possession is required under an unconditional sale agreement.

Tenants can end a periodic tenancy with 21 days’ written notice.

2. Fixed-Term Tenancies (With a set end date)

To avoid a fixed-term tenancy automatically converting to a periodic tenancy, owners must give notice during the effective period—between 90 and 21 days before the end date. Remember to add at least 1 day for delivery of the notice.

Tenants can give 21 days’ written notice that they won’t be renewing / extending their tenancy.

If no notice is given, the tenancy will automatically become periodic, and the standard notice rules for periodic tenancies will apply.