Most landlords require tenants to pay a bond that is generally equivalent to two or four weeks' rent.
The landlord will provide you with a Bond Lodgement Form that both you and the landlord are required to complete and sign. The landlord must deposit the form and your accompanying cheque for the bond with the Tenancy Section of the Department of Building and Housing within 23 working days of receiving it. A receipt will then be sent to both you and your landlord. If you don't receive this receipt you should call Tenancy Services.
The bond will be refunded to you when you leave the property, unless you have not paid rent or have caused damage. If the property is damaged, some or all of your bond is used to pay for the repair.
When you give notice to move out, the landlord will inspect the property to make sure you have not caused damage. To recover your bond, complete a Bond Refund Form, signed by both you and the landlord, and send it to the Department of Building and Housing. If you cannot reach agreement with the landlord over the return of your bond, contact Department of Building and Housing.
To download Tenancy Lodgement and Bond Refund forms, visit: www.dbh.govt.nz.
