Photo: RNZ
* This story has been updated to clarify landlords can do maintenance work outside without 48 hours notice, but with some conditions
Tenants have more control in New Zealand's rental market than they have for a while.
With rents soft and more options to choose from, it's not a bad time to be looking for a place to live.
But do you know the rules your landlord has to abide by?
Recent Tenancy Tribunal rulings show some are still getting it wrong.
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Turn up unannounced
Landlords can't just turn up to their rental properties without giving notice.
They need to give 48 hours' notice for things like inspections and 24 hours' notice for repairs or maintenance. If they don't, they can have exemplary damages awarded against them to a maximum of $1500.
If they are doing maintenance work outside, they need to make sure that they do not interfere with your peace, comfort and privacy.
Tenancy Services advises: "A heads-up of when you are coming and what you're coming for is a good way to help build a positive working relationship with your tenants."
In one case heard by the Tenancy Tribunal recently, a tenant claimed their landlord arrived at the premises uninvited and unannounced, entered the garden and shouted at them abo
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