For what reasons was the ability for a tenant to initiate their own bond refund via a downloadable form or online request removed as part of the 29 June 2026 changes? and 1 other question

Answer

The ability for tenants to initiate their own bond refund has not been removed since 29 June, instead while the tenant-initiated bond refund form is no longer available on the Tenancy Services website for download, this form is still available to tenants who do not have access to digital communication or need to initiate the refund themselves, the form can be emailed or posted to a tenant who requests it. The webform has been removed as landlords are now required to transact bond refunds, and all other bond transactions, digitally. This change provides significant benefits to tenants, with more timely and accurate transactions, consistent bond refund timeliness and for tenants, the ability to transact using email, text message or post. Tenancy Services have also made the forms available in MBIE’s print portal. Using the portal is well known to Tenancy Advocacy groups, such as Citizens Advice Bureau, who can easily bulk order forms at no cost to their organisation, and then support a tenant who may request their support to fill it out. The process is outline on our website: https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/rent-bond-and-bills/bond/bond-hub/manage-a-bond-refund-online/