An expanded digital bond service is aiming to help speed up the bond return process for both landlords and tenants, MBIE says.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) said expansions to the Tenancy Services‘ online Bond Hub would allow landlords to initiate bond refunds, update landlord and tenant details, and maintain their contact information online.
Renters would also benefit from greater visibility of their bond records, and the ability to choose how they receive communications.
The technology change had caused stress for some renters last year, as “extended processing times for bond refunds” left some Kiwis out of pocket when finding a new place to live.
Head of Tenancy Services Kat Watson said the new features represent “a significant milestone for New Zealand’s rental sector”.
“Tenancy Services has now enabled a digital-first, automated service that replaces manual data entry and bond processing queues that have been in place for more than 26 years,” she said.
“Digital services improve the customer experience with faster processing times and greater visibility of bond information and transaction status.”
Watson said bond refunds would be quicker with payments confirmed online and “processed instantly”.
“There will be no need to print, scan or store paperwork. The result is a faster, smoother end-of-tenancy experience.”
Since December 1, 2025, she said Tenancy Services’ Bond Hub has provided a secure and efficient platform for landlords to manage bonds online, including lodging new bonds, topping up existing bonds, and viewing bond records.
Tenancy Bond Services phases in a new digital system, saying refunds will speed back up again. (Source: 1News)
“More than 31,000 landlords are currently registered to use the system, reflecting strong uptake of digital bond management.
“Customers using property management software integrated with the Tenancy Bond system already have access to digital bond refunds, with over 3700 refunds completed since December 1, 2025 and more than 10,000 pet bonds lodged.”
Customers are encouraged to contact their PMS provider if this capability is not yet enabled. Digital refunds will be processed as soon as all parties agree, reducing waiting times and providing greater certainty.
MBIE’s Customer Service Centre would continue to be available for landlords and tenants using the new digital services, as well as assistance for transactions that cannot be completed online.