Know Your Rights: A 30-Day Tenant Empowerment Series
This series was created to give tenants across Aotearoa the clarity, confidence and legal grounding they deserve. Every day, renters face confusing situations — notices that don’t feel right, landlords who overstep, repairs that never get done, and pressure to accept things that aren’t lawful. The Residential Tenancies Act protects tenants in all of these situations — but most people don’t know how to use it.
Know Your Rights is designed to change that.
Each day in this 30-part series focuses on one specific right or protection — explained in plain language, backed by the law, and matched with real-world examples. These are not vague tips or generic advice. They are legally accurate, tenant-friendly explanations of what you can expect, what you can challenge, and what you never have to tolerate.
This series was born out of direct support work — helping tenants one-on-one, answering urgent questions, and seeing the same patterns of confusion and fear again and again. It’s built from lived experience, not theory.
What You’ll Find in the At-A-Glance Table
The table of contents below gives you a full overview of the series. Each day is listed with its theme, so you can jump straight to the topic you need — whether it’s bond refunds, privacy, repairs, harassment, or Tribunal access.
We hope this structure makes it easier for tenants to:
- find answers quickly
- understand their legal position
- feel confident pushing back when something isn’t right
- share accurate information with others
This series is for every renter — whether you’re new to private rentals, dealing with a difficult landlord, or just want to know where you stand.
Your rights are real. They are enforceable. And they are worth knowing.
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 1 Your landlord cannot enter your home without proper notice
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 2 Your Right to Bond Protection
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 3 Your Right to Privacy
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 4 Your Right to Proper Notice
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 5 Your Right to Challenge Unlawful Entry
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 6 Your Right to Quiet Enjoyment
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 7 Your Right to Repairs
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 8 Your Right to Protection from Harassment
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 9 Your Right to Control Viewings
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 10 Your Right to Safe, Healthy Housing
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 11 Your Right to Timely Repairs and Maintenance
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 12 Your Right to Heating and Ventilation
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 13 Your Right to a Clean Start (Pre‑Tenancy Condition)
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 14 Your Right to Challenge Rent Increases
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 15 Your Right to Tribunal Access
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 16 Your Right to Fair Treatment During Disputes
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 17 Your Right to End a Tenancy Properly
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 18 Your Right to Challenge Unfair Charges
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 19 Your Right to Be Heard (Complaints and Advocacy)
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 20 Your Right to a Safe Exit (Eviction Rules)
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 21 Your Right to Challenge Retaliation
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 22 Your Right to Know Who You’re Dealing With
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 23 Your Right to a Healthy Indoor Environment
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 24 Your Right to Ask Questions
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 25 Your Right to Challenge Discrimination
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 26 Your Right to a Fair Bond Refund
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 27 Your Right to Support (WINZ, Advocacy, Tribunal)
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 28 Your Right to Challenge Neglect
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 29 Your Right to Stay Informed
Know Your Rights – (Download) Day 30 Your Right to Be Treated with Dignity