Sometimes a new landlord will take over the tenancy. This could be because:

• the property management company has changed
• the landlord is going overseas
• the rental property has been sold.

The existing tenancy agreement will remain with the same terms and conditions (the tenant won’t need to sign a new agreement).

Whenever the landlord changes, the bond record must be updated. This applies even if the landlord is only away temporarily and has appointed an agent. To update the bond record, send us a completed change of landlord/agent form.

Download the change of landlord/agent form.

If the property management company changes

If the owner of the house uses a property management company, they are considered the landlord.

If the company changes, the current property manager must give the tenant written notice of the change. This notice must include:

• who is taking over as landlord
• the new landlord’s contact details
• when the new landlord takes over

The tenant must pay their rent to the new landlord from the date specified in the notice.

The new landlord must give the tenant the following information:

• their name and contact details
• their address for service
• details for paying the rent (eg, their new bank account number).

This process also applies when the owner’s been managing the tenancy themselves and employs a property manager to take over during a tenancy.

If the landlord goes overseas

If the landlord is leaving New Zealand for more than 21 days in a row, they must appoint an agent before they leave.

The agent must be someone in New Zealand who can manage the property while the landlord is away. It doesn’t have to be a property management company.

The landlord must give the tenant the agent's name and contact details, and address for service.

If a landlord doesn’t appoint an agent or doesn’t give the tenant the agent’s details, this is an unlawful act. If this happens, the tenant can give the landlord a notice to remedy. This gives the landlord a deadline to appoint an agent or to provide the agent’s contact details.

Breaches of the Act has more information on notices to remedy.

If the property is sold

The landlord can also change during a tenancy if the property is sold.

What to do if the property is sold