Selling a House with Tenants in NZ: Notice, Access, and Bond Steps

Decide the sale path before promising a settlement date. The tenancy can continue under the buyer, the buyer can require vacant possession after an unconditional sale, or the landlord can end a periodic tenancy before marketing the property vacant. Each path has different timing.

Three sale paths

1. Buyer becomes landlord: the agreement continues unchanged. Tell the tenants who the new landlord is, exchange service and payment details, hand over the tenancy records, and update the bond record.
2. Unconditional sale requires vacant possession: a periodic tenancy requires at least 42 days' written notice. A fixed term cannot normally be cut short for this reason without agreement.
3. Market the property vacant: a periodic tenancy requires at least 90 days' written notice, and the property must be put on the market within 90 days after the tenancy ends.

Photos and viewings

Tell the tenant in writing when the property goes on the market. Permission is required for entry to take sale photos and to show buyers or professionals through. Tenants cannot unreasonably refuse access, but can set reasonable conditions, refuse open homes, require appointment-only viewings, and remain present. Put the agreed schedule in writing.

Settlement handover

Provide the buyer with the agreement, ledger, inspection and compliance records, maintenance history, and tenant communications. The old landlord's bond interest passes to the new landlord, so complete the online change-of-landlord process and reconcile rent around settlement.

Primary source: Tenancy Services selling a rental property, reviewed 6 September 2026. For notice mechanics see our landlord rights guide.