Rent Increase Notice Template
A rent increase notice formally advises the tenant of a new rent amount. Use our free New Zealand template to meet the strict requirements of section 24 of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 — at least 60 days’ notice and no more than once every 12 months.
New Rent: $630.00 NZD per week
Effective Date: 1 June 2026
Notice Given: 1 April 2026
What Is a Rent Increase Notice?
A rent increase notice is a formal written notice from a landlord to a tenant advising that the rent will be increased to a new amount from a specified date. In New Zealand, rent increases are tightly regulated under section 24 of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 — both as to the notice required and the frequency of increases.
Since 12 August 2020, landlords cannot increase rent more than once every 12 months from the start date of the tenancy (or from the last increase). This was extended from the previous 180-day rule to give tenants more stability. The required notice period is at least 60 days before the increase takes effect, and the notice must be in writing and specify the new rent and the date it applies from.
Rent increases must also be "market rent" under section 25. A tenant who considers the increase excessive can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for an order reducing the rent to market level. This is especially relevant for fixed-term tenancies converting to periodic or for long-term tenants whose rent has moved sharply out of line with comparable properties.
What's Covered in This Template
Our rent increase notice covers every element required by section 24 of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.
Landlord Details
Full name and address for service of the landlord or property manager.
Tenant Details
Full name(s) of every tenant named on the tenancy agreement.
Property Address
The street address of the rental property.
Current Rent and New Rent
Current weekly, fortnightly, or monthly rent and the new amount after the increase.
Effective Date of Increase
Date the new rent takes effect — at least 60 days after the notice is given.
Last Increase Date
Confirmation that at least 12 months have passed since the tenancy started or the last increase.
Reason (Optional)
Optional statement of the reason for the increase (e.g. alignment with market rent, CPI adjustment).
Payment Details
Restatement of how and when rent is payable.
Right to Apply for a Market Rent Order
Information about the tenant’s right to apply to the Tenancy Tribunal under section 25.
Signature and Date
Landlord’s signature and the date the notice is given.
How to Issue a Rent Increase Notice
Generate a compliant notice and deliver it to the tenant at least 60 days before the increase.
- 1
Check the 12-Month Rule
Confirm that 12 months have passed since the tenancy start date or the most recent rent increase.
- 2
Enter Tenancy Details
Provide the landlord and tenant names, property address, and current rent.
- 3
Set the New Rent and Effective Date
Enter the new rent and the effective date (at least 60 days after the notice is given).
- 4
Add Optional Reason
Consider including a brief reason to help the tenant understand the increase.
- 5
Deliver the Notice
Deliver by email (if email is agreed for notices) and by post for best practice, keeping proof of delivery.
Legal Considerations
Rent increases are one of the most closely regulated areas of NZ tenancy law — getting the formalities wrong invalidates the increase.
This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For any rent increase that is likely to be disputed, contact Tenancy Services or take advice from a New Zealand lawyer.
Compliant with section 24 of the RTA 1986
Section 24 — Notice and Frequency
Section 24 of New Zealand’s Residential Tenancies Act 1986 requires that a rent increase notice: (a) be in writing; (b) specify the new rent and the date from which it takes effect; and (c) be given at least 60 days before the increase takes effect. Under section 24(1AA), rent cannot be increased more than once every 12 months from the tenancy start date or the last increase. In New Zealand, a defective notice is invalid and the new rent is unenforceable.
Section 25 — Market Rent Orders
Under section 25, a tenant can apply to the New Zealand Tenancy Tribunal for a rent reduction order if the rent is "substantially higher than the market rent". The Tribunal compares the rent to comparable properties in the area. The landlord cannot increase rent again within 12 months of a market rent order (section 25(8)). This provides tenants with a meaningful remedy against excessive rents.
Fixed-Term vs Periodic Tenancies
During a fixed-term tenancy, rent can only be increased if the tenancy agreement expressly provides for increases (and specifies the method). For periodic tenancies, the section 24 process applies. When a fixed term ends and rolls over to a periodic tenancy, the landlord must give proper section 24 notice to increase rent — the rollover itself does not change the rent.
Method of Service
Under section 136, notices can be served personally, by post, by leaving at the tenant’s address, by electronic means if the tenant has agreed in writing, or at an agreed alternative address. Email service requires prior written agreement. Landlords should keep proof of delivery (signed-for post, email with read receipt, or photograph of delivery).
Frequently Asked Questions
Give Notice the Right Way
Create a compliant New Zealand rent increase notice that meets section 24 requirements. Clear, professional, and timed correctly.
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