Labour promises to ban no-cause evictions for renters

Labour leader Chris Hipkins has announced a renting policy that would ban no-cause evictions, a term Labour uses for a landlord removing a tenant without a reason and without warning. Hipkins made the announcement in Christchurch on 28 October 2026. Under the policy, Labour's plan would require landlords to give a valid reason for ending a tenancy. Labour said it would also give tenants more notice if it wins the election.

The party has set out specific notice periods. A landlord or their family who wants to move into a rental property would have to give 63 days' notice. Ending a tenancy for a sale, a renovation or a change of use would require 90 days' notice.

Labour also promised to introduce a landlord duty of care, which would require landlords to address serious hazards in rental homes. It promised to require proper curtains or blinds in rentals under the Healthy Homes Standards, the minimum rules for rental housing. Labour said the policy would make rental homes warmer and safer.

Inspections are also part of the plan. Labour promised to stop insurers requiring routine rental inspections more often than every six months. Hipkins confirmed that under the policy, inspections would be limited to once every six months.

Labour further promised to set clear rules for property managers, so that tenants and landlords are treated fairly. It also said it would strengthen oversight of boarding houses to better protect residents.

The renting policy sits within a wider housing plan. Labour proposes to expand First Home Loans so buyers can purchase with a five percent deposit, introduce a rent-to-buy pathway, and restart the building programme of Kāinga Ora, the state housing agency.