Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (New Zealand)
MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Prepared under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (New Zealand)
Property Address: [Property address], [Region]
Landlord / Property Manager: [Landlord name]
Tenant(s): [Tenant name(s)]
Move-In Inspection Date: [Move-in date]
Move-Out Inspection Date: [Move-out date]
INSTRUCTIONS
This checklist documents the condition of the rental property at the commencement and end of the tenancy. Both the landlord and tenant should complete this form together at move-in and retain a signed copy. At move-out, the same form is completed to identify any changes in condition. Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, the tenant is responsible for damage beyond fair wear and tear. Any bond claims must be supported by evidence of damage; this checklist and accompanying photographs are key evidence in Tenancy Tribunal proceedings.
1. EXTERIOR AND ENTRY
Exterior Walls: [Exterior walls condition] — [Exterior walls notes]
Garden / Lawn: [Garden condition] — [Garden notes]
2. INTERIOR ROOMS
Living / Dining Room: [Living room condition] — [Living room notes]
Kitchen: [Kitchen condition] — [Kitchen notes]
Bathroom: [Bathroom condition] — [Bathroom notes]
Bedrooms: [Bedrooms condition] — [Bedrooms notes]
3. KEYS AND UTILITIES
Keys / Access Items: [Keys provided]
Electricity Meter Reading: [Electricity meter reading]
Gas Meter Reading: [Gas meter reading]
4. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Both parties confirm that this checklist accurately reflects the condition of the property at the time of inspection. Photographs taken at move-in and move-out form part of this record and should be retained by both parties. Any discrepancies should be noted above. In the event of a dispute about bond allocation, this checklist and accompanying photographs may be submitted as evidence to the Tenancy Tribunal.
SIGNATURES
LANDLORD / PROPERTY MANAGER
Name: [Landlord name]
Date: [Landlord sign date]
TENANT
Name: [Tenant name(s)]
Date: [Tenant sign date]
Landlord / Property Manager
________________
Signature
Tenant
________________
Signature
What Is a Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (New Zealand)?
A Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in New Zealand grants a tenant the right to occupy residential premises and records the rent, bond, term, and the repair and notice obligations of landlord and tenant under the Property Law Act 2007.
When Do You Need a Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (New Zealand)?
A Move-In / Move-Out Checklist is needed whenever parties in New Zealand wish to formalize their arrangement regarding real estate transactions, property management, and tenancy arrangements. There are numerous situations in which this document becomes essential for protecting the interests of all involved parties. In real estate, a Move-In / Move-Out Checklist is essential when entering into property transactions, establishing new tenancy arrangements, managing existing properties, or dealing with property-related disputes. Property transactions in New Zealand are subject to specific legal requirements that must be carefully observed. You should also consider using a Move-In / Move-Out Checklist when there has been a change in circumstances that affects an existing arrangement, when you need to comply with new regulatory requirements, when you wish to update outdated documentation, or when professional advisors recommend formalizing certain aspects of your affairs. In New Zealand, maintaining current and accurate legal documentation is considered established standards and can help prevent costly disputes. It is generally advisable to prepare a Move-In / Move-Out Checklist before any issues arise, rather than trying to document terms after a dispute has already begun. Proactive documentation provides clarity and reduces the potential for misunderstandings. If you are unsure whether you need this document for your specific situation in New Zealand, consulting with a qualified legal professional can provide guidance tailored to your circumstances. The timing of executing a Move-In / Move-Out Checklist is also important. In New Zealand, certain documents must be executed before specific actions are taken or within prescribed time periods to be effective. Delaying the preparation of necessary legal documents can result in complications, lost rights, or additional costs. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare this document as early as possible once the need has been identified.
What to Include in Your Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (New Zealand)
A well-drafted Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for use in New Zealand should contain several essential elements to confirm it is legally effective and provides adequate protection for all parties. Party Identification: The document should clearly identify all parties involved, including their full legal names, addresses, and relevant identification numbers. For individuals in New Zealand, this may include identity card or passport numbers. For companies, registration numbers and registered addresses should be specified. Clear identification prevents disputes about who is bound by the agreement. Recitals and Background: The document should include background information explaining the context and purpose of the arrangement. This helps establish the parties' intentions and can be important in interpreting the terms of the document if any ambiguity arises later. The recitals section provides valuable context for the operative provisions that follow. Operative Terms: The core terms and conditions should be set out clearly and thoroughly. This includes the rights and obligations of each party, any conditions or prerequisites, the duration of the arrangement, and any limitations or restrictions. All key terms should be defined precisely to avoid ambiguity and potential disputes. Payment and Financial Terms: Where applicable, the document should specify any payments, fees, deposits, or other financial considerations. The amounts, currency (NZD), payment schedules, and methods of payment should be clearly stated. Any provisions for late payment, interest charges, or adjustments should also be included. Term and Termination: The document should specify its duration, including the start date, end date or conditions for expiry, and any provisions for renewal or extension. The circumstances under which either party may terminate the arrangement early should be clearly defined, along with any notice requirements and the consequences of termination. Dispute Resolution: The document should include provisions for resolving any disputes that may arise, such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation. In New Zealand, parties may choose to specify the jurisdiction of New Zealand courts and the applicable law. Including a clear dispute resolution mechanism can save significant time and expense if disagreements occur. Governing Law and Jurisdiction: The document should specify that it is governed by the laws of New Zealand and that disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of New Zealand courts. This is particularly important in cross-border transactions or where parties are based in different jurisdictions. Signatures and Execution: The document must be properly signed by all parties or their authorised representatives. In New Zealand, certain documents may need to be witnessed, notarised, or executed as deeds to be legally effective. The date of execution should be clearly recorded, and each party should retain an original signed copy for their records. The forms-legal.com Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (New Zealand) provides a ready-to-use template that meets New Zealand legal requirements.
Cite this page
Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (New Zealand) (New Zealand) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/new-zealand/real-estate/leases/move-in-move-out-checklist-new-zealand
"Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (New Zealand) (New Zealand)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/new-zealand/real-estate/leases/move-in-move-out-checklist-new-zealand.
@misc{formslegal-move-in-move-out-checklist-new-zealand,
author = {{Forms Legal}},
title = {Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (New Zealand) (New Zealand)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/new-zealand/real-estate/leases/move-in-move-out-checklist-new-zealand}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Property Law Act 2007}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
While the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 does not specifically mandate a written move-in inspection report, it is strongly recommended by Tenancy Services (MBIE) as established standards and is essential for protecting both landlords and tenants in any bond dispute. Under section 19 of the RTA, a landlord must lodge the bond with Tenancy Services within 23 working days of receiving it, and the bond refund process is significantly efficient if a condition report is available. If the parties cannot agree on the condition of the premises at the end of the tenancy, the Tenancy Tribunal will consider all available evidence, including a condition report completed at the start of the tenancy, photographs, and witness statements. A detailed move-in checklist signed by both parties at the commencement of the tenancy is the best evidence available and greatly reduces the risk of a disputed bond refund. Tenancy Services provides a free property inspection report template on the tenancy.govt.nz website.
The condition report plays a critical role in the bond refund process in New Zealand. When the tenancy ends, the landlord may make a claim on the bond for damage beyond fair wear and tear, unpaid rent, or other costs the tenant owes. The Tenancy Tribunal considers the condition report completed at the start of the tenancy as the baseline for assessing any damage claims. If the landlord claims the tenant caused damage, the condition report establishes what pre-existing issues already existed. If no condition report exists, the Tenancy Tribunal may be less willing to award bond deductions for alleged damage, as there is no baseline comparison. The tenant can dispute the landlord's bond claim by applying to the Tenancy Tribunal if they cannot reach agreement. Under the RTA, if both parties agree to the bond refund allocation, a signed bond refund form can be submitted to Tenancy Services directly. If they cannot agree, either party may apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for a determination.
Fair wear and tear in New Zealand refers to the normal deterioration of a property and its fixtures resulting from ordinary use by the tenant during the tenancy. The Residential Tenancies Act 1986 provides that a tenant is not liable for fair wear and tear when vacating the premises. Examples of fair wear and tear include minor scuff marks on walls, faded paintwork after several years, worn carpet in high-traffic areas, and minor fading of curtains from sunlight. The tenant is liable for damage that goes beyond fair wear and tear — such as large holes in walls, stains on carpet, broken fixtures, and damage caused by negligence or deliberate acts. What constitutes fair wear and tear depends on the length of the tenancy, the age and condition of the property and its fittings at the commencement of the tenancy, and the number of occupants. The Tenancy Tribunal applies an objective standard in determining whether damage is fair wear and tear, and a condition report with photographs is valuable evidence in any dispute.
Yes. Tenancy Services strongly recommends that both landlords and tenants take dated photographs at the start and end of every tenancy in New Zealand, complementing the written condition report. Photographs provide contemporaneous visual evidence of the property's condition and are frequently relied upon in Tenancy Tribunal proceedings. At move-in, photographs should capture every room, all walls, floors, ceilings, fixtures, appliances, windows, and outdoor areas. At move-out, the same areas should be photographed to allow a direct comparison. The photographs should be saved in their original format (not edited), and the metadata showing the date and time the photographs were taken should be preserved. Both the landlord and tenant should each retain copies of the move-in photographs. It is also advisable for both parties to sign the condition report at move-in to confirm their agreement on the condition recorded, which reduces the risk of later disputes about what was noted.
A Move-In / Move-Out Checklist (New Zealand) does not legally require a lawyer in New Zealand, and individuals and businesses may draft and execute the document independently. The Property Law Act 2007 does not mandate legal representation for the creation or signing of this type of document. However, seeking independent legal advice from a qualified New Zealand lawyer is recommended for transactions involving substantial financial value, complex regulatory requirements, or cross-border elements where multiple legal jurisdictions may apply. A lawyer can verify that the document complies with all applicable statutory requirements, identify potential risks specific to the transaction, and confirm that the terms adequately protect the interests of all parties involved. The High Court of New Zealand has jurisdiction over disputes arising from this type of document, and Companies Office may impose additional compliance obligations depending on the nature of the underlying transaction. Professional legal review is particularly advisable where the document will be submitted to government agencies or used as evidence in legal proceedings.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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