If you're a self-managing landlord and will be overseas for more than 21 days, the Residential Tenancies Act requires you to nominate someone to manage your property while you’re away.
This person doesn’t need to be a professional or a property manager - they can be anyone of your choosing. It must, however, be someone you trust to make decisions and manage the tenancy in your absence.
To comply with the Residential Tenancies Act, you must do the following before you leave the country:
- Fill out this form to change the landlord's details with Tenancy Services and email it to: bond.refunds@tenancy.govt.nz
- Inform the tenant of the change of details. We would suggest that you explain to the tenant that this is a temporary change required by law, and that you will be the main contact when you return.
If you do not comply with this requirement, the tenant can give you a notice to remedy due to your absence, meaning the issue could end up at the tribunal.
Good news: we’ve got you covered
If you're managing your property with myRent, we’ve made the process simple and digital.
- You complete and e-sign the form online
- We collect the signature from your nominated person (no myRent account needed)
- We submit everything directly to Tenancy Services for you.
- You get guidance on notifying your tenant or giving your nominee access through myRent
No printing. No emailing. No admin stress. Just a simple, compliant solution—so you can focus on enjoying your time away.
Go to your portfolio access page to get started.
The information contained in this article is exclusively for promotional purposes. It does not in any way constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as the basis for any legal action or contractual dealings. The information is not, and does not attempt to be, a comprehensive account of the relevant law in New Zealand. If you require legal advice you should seek independent legal counsel. myRent.co.nz does not accept any liability that may arise from the use of this information.
