Can live-in landlords have tenancy agreements with flatmates?

Dana asks:
(updated on Monday, January 14th 2008)

I own a house that I'm living in. I have one tenant and am looking for another. I haven't used any form of tenancy agreement for my tenant, and I note that the Residential Tenancies Act excludes property where the landlord lives in the property from requiring a tenancy agreement. I have required two weeks bond, and require two weeks notice, and require two weeks rent in advance. Does the contract between my tenants and I become a verbal or written contract outside the Tenancy Act? If so, would email correspondence count as a binding contract? Are there any other issues for me to consider as a live-in landlord?

Our Experts Answer:

Situations where the landlord lives in the property are excluded from all requirements of the Residential Tenancies Act, unless the tenant(s) and the landlord agree in writing that they will be covered by the Act. Therefore, I suggest you consult your local Community Law Centre or Citizens Advice Bureau for advice and information on tenancy and flatting arrangements that are not covered by the Residential Tenancies Act.

You might also like to consider having a written agreement between you and your flatmates. You can view an example of an agreement at www.tpa.org.nz

The Department of Building and Housing provides information and guidance on building law and compliance, services including weathertight homes, and advice for tenants and landlords.





Most Read

AIA - Go Home Loans 4.00
Unity First Home Buyer special 4.15
SBS FirstHome Combo 4.29
ICBC 4.49
Kainga Ora 4.59
SBS Bank Special 4.69
Unity Special 4.80
China Construction Bank 4.85
Co-operative Bank - First Home Special 4.89
Co-operative Bank - Owner Occ 4.99
ASB Bank 4.99
China Construction Bank 4.95
Kainga Ora 4.95
ICBC 4.99
SBS Bank Special 5.29
Unity Special 5.29
Westpac Special 5.29
Co-operative Bank - First Home Special 5.29
ANZ Special 5.35
ASB Bank 5.35
BNZ - Std 5.35
AIA - Go Home Loans 5.35
SBS Bank Special 5.49
ICBC 5.65
Kainga Ora 5.69
ASB Bank 5.75
BNZ - Std 5.75
AIA - Go Home Loans 5.75
Westpac Special 5.75
Kiwibank Special 5.89
Co-operative Bank - First Home Special 5.89
TSB Special 5.99
China Construction Bank 5.99
SBS FirstHome Combo 3.29
AIA - Back My Build 3.34
SBS Construction lending for FHB 3.79
CFML 321 Loans 4.20
ICBC 5.39
Co-operative Bank - Owner Occ 5.69
Co-operative Bank - Standard 5.69
Kainga Ora 5.79
Pepper Money Prime 5.99
Unity Standard 6.04
Unity Special 6.04