What we do

The Ministry offers advice and information for landlords and tenants who rent their homes.

We also provide dispute resolution services. We can give you information and advice about your rights and obligations, and then you can decide on the next step to take. We have a number of dispute resolution offices and we also use a number of community venues throughout the country. We also administer the State Housing Appeals Authority.

We administer the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, which sets out the law regarding residential tenancies for landlords and tenants in New Zealand.

We receive and hold bonds until the end of a tenancy, when either the landlord or tenant can apply for a refund. If you need information about a bond, call us on 0800 737 666 or, if you’re outside New Zealand, on +64 4 238 4693.

If you need information about a tenancy, you can:

• check out our handy A-Z or Frequently asked questions
• read our forms and information sheets
• look up the Services location directory to see where we provide help around the country
• email us at information@dbh.govt.nz
• call us on 0800 TENANCY (0800 83 62 62) or, if you’re outside New Zealand, on +64 4 238 4695.

To make an appointment for tenancy advice or mediation call 0800 TENANCY (0800 83 62 62).