Tenants’ rights and responsibilities

The following is a broad outline of the legal rights and responsibilities of a tenant under the Residential Tenancies Act.

These rights and responsibilities apply to you if you are a co-tenant, head-tenant, or sub-tenant in a share house.

If you are a boarder or lodger, you are not covered by the Act.

You should contact your local tenants’ advice service or community legal centre if you are having problems with your landlord.

Your rights as a tenant

For the house to be reasonably clean and fit to live in.

For the premises to have reasonable security and locks.

To be given a copy of the Residential Tenancy Agreement, Condition Report, and the New Tenant Checklist.

To be given rent receipts if the rent is paid in person, or receipts made available to the tenant.

To apply to the Tribunal for assistance if the landlord has breached the agreement.

To reasonable peace, comfort, and privacy.

To not be evicted without appropriate orders from the Tribunal.

Your responsibilities as a tenant

To ask the landlord/agent for permission to sub-let the premises or part of the premises before you sub-let.

To ask the landlord/agent for permission to transfer your rights under the lease to another person before you transfer.

To give the landlord/agent a copy of the completed Condition Report within 7 days of receiving it.

Not to alter the premises or make additions without the landlord’s/agent’s written permission.

To leave the premises in the same condition (except for normal wear and tear) as when you first moved in.

Not to alter, remove, or add a lock or security device without the landlord’s permission.

Not to use the premises for illegal purposes.

Not to interfere with the peace, comfort, or privacy of neighbours.

Not to let anyone else on the premises breach the agreement.