Owner Wants To End a Tenancy

1. If the tenant is behind in rent payments or presents a dishonoured cheque - notices may be served in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act 1987.

2. If the tenant does not keep to the provisions of the agreement other than rent arrears - notices must be served before the tenancy can be ended.

3. If the premises are destroyed or become uninhabitable - 7 days full notice.

4. If the tenant is on a periodic lease and the property is sold - 30 days written notice from when the offer becomes unconditional.

5. If the tenant is on a periodic lease and the tenancy is to be ended without giving any reasons - 60 days written notice.

6. A fixed term tenancy can be ended by written agreement signed by both parties.

7. If a magistrate is convinced the owner would suffer undue hardship if the agreement were ended under any other provision of the Act, they may terminate the tenancy agreement.

Tenant Ends a Tenancy

1. If the tenant is on a periodic lease - 21 days written notice.

2. If the premises are destroyed or become uninhabitable - 2 days full notice.

3. If an owner does not keep to any condition of the fixed agreement and refuses to remedy the problem the tenant is entitled to serve notice in accordance with the Act.

4. A tenant who breaks a fixed term agreement without the written consent of the owner may be liable for rent and maintenance expenses on the property until the property is relet or the agreement expires. The tenant may also be liable for reimbursement to the owner of the cost of the final inspection, advertising costs and the unexpired portion of the letting fee if the property is managed by a Real Estate Agent.

5.A tenant must give the owner a forwarding address at the end of a tenancy.

Source: Ministry of Fair Trading "Tenancy Notes"