Rent Increase Checker

Rent increases in Aotearoa must follow strict legal rules. Use this checker to confirm whether a rent increase is legal, valid, and reasonable.

1. Legal Requirements for Any Rent Increase

A rent increase is only valid if all of the following are true:

✔ At least 12 months since the last increase

Rent can only increase once every 12 months, for both periodic and fixed‑term tenancies.

✔ 60 days’ written notice

The notice must:

• Be in writing
• State the new rent amount
• State the date it takes effect
• Give 60 days’ notice

✔ Notice must be delivered properly

Email, text, letter, or in‑person delivery are all acceptable.

If any of these conditions are not met, the increase is invalid.

2. Quick Rent Increase Legality Checker

Use this table to check if the increase is legal:

3. How to Check If the Increase Is Reasonable

A rent increase may be unreasonable if:

• It is much higher than similar properties
• The landlord cannot justify the amount
• The increase is sudden or extreme
• The property is poorly maintained
• The increase feels retaliatory

How to compare:

• Look at similar rentals on Trade Me
• Check local market reports
• Compare with neighbouring properties

If the increase is far above market rate, you can challenge it.

4. Example Rent Increase Calculations

Example 1: Legal Increase

• Current rent: $500/week
• New rent: $540/week
• Last increase: 14 months ago
• Notice: 60 days

Result: ✔ Legal increase.

Example 2: Illegal Increase

• Current rent: $480/week
• New rent: $520/week
• Last increase: 7 months ago

Result: ✘ Illegal — cannot increase rent before 12 months.

Example 3: Invalid Notice

• Notice says: “Rent will increase soon.”
• No date given
• No new amount stated

Result: ✘ Invalid — notice must include the new rent and start date.

5. What to Do If the Increase Is Illegal or Unreasonable

You can:

✔ Ask the landlord to correct the notice

If it’s missing details or the timing is wrong.

✔ Decline the increase

If it does not meet legal requirements.

✔ Apply to the Tenancy Tribunal

If the increase is:

• Unreasonable
• Retaliatory
• Not justified
• Much higher than similar properties

The Tribunal can reduce or cancel the increase.

6. Summary

A rent increase is only valid if:

• It has been 12 months since the last increase
• You receive 60 days’ written notice
• The notice includes the new rent and start date
• The increase is reasonable compared to similar properties

If any of these conditions are not met, you can challenge the increase.