Note: This was accurate at time of publishing. For the most up-to-date information about Alert Level requirements see COVID-19 - information for landlords and tenants.

Information for landlords and tenants

We have information for landlords and tenants on what you can and can’t do at each COVID-19 Alert Level. This include answers to frequently asked questions.

Read COVID-19 information for landlords and tenants.

For general information about COVID-19 see the Unite against COVID-19 website. (external link)

Important information for landlords and tenants at Alert Level 2 or 4

 Alert Level 2

• Tenants in an Alert Level 2 area can move house between areas that are at Alert Level 2.
• If tenants are moving within an area at Alert Level 2, removal companies can assist with moving (following the conditions of physical distancing and contact tracing). People living in an Alert Level 2 area can also help you move.
• If moving involves needing to travel through an Alert Level 4 area then you must so far as reasonably practicable, travel directly through the Alert Level 4 region without stopping.
• Tenants can only move between areas at different Alert Levels, for example into or out of an Alert Level 4 area, if they are required:
  •  to do so by a court order or
  • by law to move for the purposes of detention or to move to a different place of residence that is determined for example by the Police or New Zealand Parole Board.

• At Alert Level 2, landlords can carry out in-person property inspections, maintenance and viewings as long as guidance on physical distancing, personal hygiene and surface cleaning is followed.
• At Alert Level 2 Tenancy Tribunal hearings and mediation will be operating in-person (following the appropriate Alert Level health and safety requirements) and remotely by telephone. If you have a face to face Tenancy Tribunal hearing or mediation scheduled during Alert Level 2 and there is a change we will be in contact, by phone, email or text, to let you know what this means for you.

Read more about Alert Level 2

Alert Level 4

• Everyone must stay in their current place of residence where possible. Tenants can only move within an area at Alert level 4 if: 
  • required to do so by a court order (including a Tenancy Tribunal Order) 
  • if they need to use a temporary or emergency home, for example, if they need care while sick or to seek refuge from family violence or
  • they are required by law to move for the purposes of detention or to move to a different place of residence that is determined for example by the Police or New Zealand Parole Board.
• Tenants can move house outside an Alert Level 4 area if:
  • a court order specifically outlines they must move to a home or place of residence that is outside of the Alert Level 4 area
  • they are required by law to move for the purposes of detention or to move to a different place of residence that is determined for example by the Police or New Zealand Parole Board.

• Landlords must not visit their tenants or carry out in-person inspections. Tradespeople can carry out urgent repairs where there is an immediate risk to health and safety.
• There will be no face-to-face Tribunal or mediation hearings. Where possible, hearings will take place over teleconference. If this is not possible, the hearing will be rescheduled. If you have a hearing scheduled during COVID-19 Alert Level 4, teams will be in contact by phone, email or text, to let you know what this means for you.

 Read more about Alert Level 4

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