Landlord questions
Can tenants be charged a letting fee in NZ?
No. Since 12 December 2018, landlords and their agents cannot charge tenants a letting fee, including to renew or extend a tenancy.
Who can be charged
A letting agent can charge the landlord for finding a tenant instead, but never the tenant.
Key money
Any other payment on top of rent and bond, called key money, is banned too. The one exception is an option fee, which can be no more than one week's rent.
Costs that are not letting fees
A landlord can ask a tenant to pay reasonable costs when the tenant assigns or sublets the tenancy.
Source: Tenancy Services, Letting fees and key money, updated 15 March 2021. Checked 2 October 2026. Rules change, so check the current position with Tenancy Services before relying on this.
Latus never charges tenants, and owners on property management in Hamilton pay no letting fee while they stay. Owners who only want a tenant found can use tenant finding in Hamilton for one week's rent plus GST.
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More landlord questions.
- How long does a landlord have to lodge a bond?Within 23 working days of receiving it.
- How much notice does a landlord have to give in NZ?90 days with no reason, or 42 days on three grounds.
- What does a tenant pay for careless damage?Up to four weeks' rent or the insurance excess, whichever is lower.
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