A mid-term rental is a fully furnished home available for 1 to 12 months. It offers more flexibility than long-term rentals while providing a stable living arrangement compared to short-term stays like Airbnb.
|
Aspect/Feature |
Tenancies Under 90 Days |
Tenancies Over 90 Days |
|---|---|---|
|
Legal Agreement |
Short-term rental agreement, often covered by commercial laws. |
Residential tenancy agreement under the Residential Tenancies Act. |
|
Tenant Rights |
Limited tenant rights, as it is not a standard residential lease. |
Full tenant rights and protections under tenancy laws. |
|
Covered by RTA? |
X |
✓ |
|
Notice Period/Early Termination |
Set by the rental agreement; often flexible. |
Legally required notice period and eviction process |
|
Formal notice required at end of tenancy? |
X |
✓ Must be given between 90 and 21 days before the end date |
|
Ends automatically? |
✓ On the agreed date |
X Converts to periodic unless notice is given. |
|
Bond |
May or may not require a bond, depending on the agreement. |
Bond must be lodged with Tenancy Services. |
|
Bond lodging required? |
X |
✓ If a bond is taken |
|
Healthy Homes Standards apply? |
X |
✓ |
|
Rent increase rules apply? |
X |
✓ (only once every 12 months, with 60 days’ notice) |
|
Utilities |
Often included in rent. |
Tenant is usually responsible for utility bills. |
|
Furnished/Unfurnished |
Usually furnished. |
Can be furnished or unfurnished. |
🔗 More info: Tenancy Types – Tenancy Services NZ
It depends on the length of the rental:
Fixed-term tenancies under 90 days (short fixed-term tenancy): These are not covered by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and do not require a formal tenancy agreement. A license to occupy or a short-term rental agreement is usually used instead.
Fixed-term tenancies of 90 days or more: These fall under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and require a fixed-term tenancy agreement.
🔗 A copy of the short fixed-term tenancy agreement can be found here
🔗 For tenancies over 90 days, use the government residential tenancy agreement builder here
🔗 More info: Fixed-Term & Periodic Tenancies – Tenancy Services NZ
Fixed-term tenancies under 90 days: A bond is not required by law but can be included in a private agreement.
Fixed-term tenancies of 90+ days: If a bond is taken, it must be lodged with Tenancy Services NZ and cannot exceed four weeks’ rent.
🔗 More info: Bonds & Bond Lodgement – Tenancy Services NZ
It depends on the rental agreement:
Some landlords include utilities (power, water, internet) in the rent.
Others require tenants to set up and pay for their own utilities.
Always check your contract to clarify what’s covered.
🔗 More info: Paying Rent & Bills – Tenancy Services NZ
Fixed-term tenancies under 90 days: The contract ends automatically on the agreed date, and early termination depends on the terms set in the agreement.
Fixed-term tenancies of 90+ days: If the agreement is under the RTA, tenants must either:
🔗 More info: Ending a Tenancy – Tenancy Services NZ
Fixed-term tenancies under 90 days: Rent increases can be set in the contract but do not follow RTA regulations.
Fixed-term tenancies of 90+ days: Rent increases are only allowed once every 12 months with at least 60 days’ written notice.
🔗 More info: Rent Increases – Tenancy Services NZ
Fixed-term tenancies under 90 days: The landlord’s maintenance responsibilities depend on the private contract.
Fixed-term tenancies of 90+ days: Landlords must handle structural repairs and ensure the property meets Healthy Homes Standards.
🔗 More info: Maintenance & Repairs – Tenancy Services NZ
Fixed-term tenancies under 90 days: No, these are exempt from the Healthy Homes Standards.
Fixed-term tenancies of 90+ days: Yes, the property must comply with heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture, and drainage requirements.
🔗 More info: Healthy Homes Standards – Tenancy Services NZ
Landlords must follow entry notice rules:
Fixed-term tenancies under 90 days: Entry terms are set by the contract.
Fixed-term tenancies of 90+ days:
🔗 More info: Landlord Entry Rights – Tenancy Services NZ
Fixed-term tenancies under 90 days: End automatically on the agreed date without requiring notice.
Fixed-term tenancies of 90+ days: These automatically convert to a periodic tenancy unless either party gives notice (between 90 and 21 days before the end date).
🔗 More info: Ending a Fixed-Term Tenancy – Tenancy Services NZ
Under the updated Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) rules, fixed-term tenancies of 90+ days will no longer automatically convert to periodic tenancies unless action is taken.
If neither party gives notice (between 90 and 21 days before the tenancy ends), it will still roll into a periodic tenancy.
If the landlord or tenant gives notice within this timeframe, the tenancy will end on the agreed date.
🔗 More info: Tenancy Law Changes 2025 – Tenancy Services NZ