Landlord questions
How long does a landlord have to lodge a bond?
A landlord must lodge a bond with Tenancy Services within 23 working days of receiving it. Lodging it late can bring a financial penalty.
How much bond
- A general bond can be up to four weeks' rent
- A pet bond can be up to two weeks' rent
How it is lodged
Bonds are lodged online. Since 18 December 2024 no signatures are needed, and bonds can no longer be sent in by email or post.
Sources: Tenancy Services, About lodging a bond, updated 29 June 2026; Tenancy law changes. Checked 2 October 2026. Rules change, so check the current position with Tenancy Services before relying on this.
Latus lodges every bond on time, for property management and tenant finding clients alike.
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More landlord questions.
- Can tenants be charged a letting fee in NZ?No. It has been banned since 12 December 2018.
- Can a landlord refuse a pet in NZ?Only on reasonable grounds, with an answer due within 21 days.
- What does a tenant pay for careless damage?Up to four weeks' rent or the insurance excess, whichever is lower.
- All landlord questionsEvery question, grouped by topic.