Sub‑Item: Harassment Issues
Harassment Issues – What to Do When Your Landlord Harasses You
You have the right to live in your home without being harassed, intimidated, pressured, or made to feel unsafe. The Residential Tenancies Act is very clear: harassment is unlawful, and the Tenancy Tribunal can order compensation and penalties if it happens.
This guide explains what harassment looks like, what your rights are, and what steps you can take to protect yourself.
What Counts as Harassment
Harassment is any behaviour from your landlord or property manager that:
- intimidates you
- pressures you
- threatens you
- invades your privacy
- makes you feel unsafe
- is repeated or persistent
Harassment can be verbal, written, or through actions.
Examples of Harassment
Harassment may include:
- turning up unannounced
- repeated phone calls or messages
- threats of eviction
- yelling or abusive language
- entering without permission
- demanding access at unreasonable times
- pressuring you to accept repairs, viewings, or inspections
- retaliation after you raise concerns
- using their key to “check up” on you
- making comments that are discriminatory or personal
If the behaviour makes you feel unsafe or pressured, it may be harassment.
Your Rights Under the Law
Your landlord must not harass you. This is a legal requirement under the Residential Tenancies Act.
You have the right to:
- quiet enjoyment of your home
- reasonable privacy
- be free from intimidation
- refuse unreasonable demands
- insist on proper notice for entry
If harassment occurs, you can take action.
What to Do First
- Document everything Write down dates, times, what was said or done, and who witnessed it.
- Save all messages Keep texts, emails, and call logs.
- Tell the landlord to stop Do this in writing so you have a record.
- Ask a support person to be present Especially if you feel unsafe during visits.
If Harassment Continues
You can:
- issue a 14‑day Notice to Remedy
- apply to the Tenancy Tribunal
- request compensation
- request penalties for unlawful behaviour
- request orders to stop the harassment
The Tribunal takes harassment very seriously, especially when it’s repeated.
If You Feel Unsafe or Threatened
If the behaviour becomes threatening:
- contact the police
- ask a neighbour or friend to stay with you
- avoid direct confrontation
- seek help from Community Law or a social worker
Your safety comes first.
What to Say to Your Landlord
You can use these phrases:
- “Your behaviour is making me uncomfortable. Please stop contacting me outside reasonable hours.”
- “Please provide proper notice before entering the property.”
- “I need all communication to be in writing from now on.”
Copy and Paste This Email
Subject: Harassment Concerns – Request to Stop Unlawful Behaviour
Kia ora,
I am writing to let you know that your recent behaviour on [date(s)] has made me feel uncomfortable and pressured. This includes: [brief description of what happened].
This behaviour is not acceptable under the Residential Tenancies Act, which requires landlords to avoid harassment and respect a tenant’s quiet enjoyment.
Please stop this behaviour immediately and ensure all future communication is respectful and reasonable.
Ngā mihi, [Your Name]
