Sections

Moving out

If your circumstances change and you need to move out you need to give us 21 days' notice.

This is the form you will need the Notice to End Tenancy Agreement (Word, 180KB)

Moving to another Housing New Zealand home

If you want to move into another Housing New Zealand home, talk to your tenancy manager. We cannot guarantee there will be a suitable home available straight away. There is a long waiting list for our houses and we will need to look at your circumstances and the housing available in your area. Access to all our homes is based on need.

If we find another home for you and you leave your place clean, tidy, undamaged and your payments are up-to-date, we will ask Tenancy Services to transfer your existing bond to your new home. We'll also arrange for any rent you've paid in advance to be transferred to your new home. You will need to arrange your furniture removal and to have your phone and power connected.

After you've given notice

Within 48 hours of receiving your notice we will send you a moving out checklist and arrange to inspect the property. We'll look at the Property Condition Report from when you moved in. If there's any damage, we'll discuss arrangements for repairs and payment with you.

You need to return the house keys to us on the day you leave, or ask us to collect the keys from you at the house. We'll do a last inspection and send you a final statement showing the rent you've paid and any money you owe.

If you change your mind

If you change your mind and do not want to move after all, we can let you do so only if we have not made other commitments in relation to the house. If you want to leave before the 21 days' notice is up, call us as soon as possible. In some areas there is high demand for our homes and you may be able to leave sooner if your house is left clean and tidy. If so, you'll only have to pay rent until the new tenant moves in.

Moving out checklist

Before you move out remember to:

  • clean the sink, kitchen bench and oven
  • clean cupboards inside and out
  • clean the bathtub, shower, basin and toilet
  • clean light shades and light switches
  • wash the walls and ceiling, particularly in the kitchen
  • wash windows inside and out
  • replace any cracked or broken windows
  • wash the floor
  • remove all house and garden rubbish as well as personal belongings, including from under the house or in sheds, garages or attic
  • tidy and weed the garden, trim hedges
  • mow the lawns and sweep paths
  • redirect your mail.

Don't forget to:

  • arrange for your electricity, gas and phone to be disconnected
  • arrange for your final power and phone accounts to go to your new address
  • tell your friends and family your new address and phone number
  • fill out a change of address form from your local Post Shop
  • lock the house when you leave and return your keys to us
  • pay your rent up to the date that you leave - call us if you're not sure what you owe.

If your home is not left clean and tidy you may be charged some or all of the cost of bringing it up to rentable standard.

If we wish to end your tenancy:

If we wish to end a tenancy we must give you at least three months (90 days) written notice, unless we have a Tribunal order granting a termination of the tenancy. Once we give you notice, we will arrange a time to visit the property to assess any repairs needing to be done or damage fixed before you move out.

If you leave your home in good condition and your payments are up-to-date, we'll ask Tenancy Services to refund your full bond.