Back in 2018, an Auckland-based property management company made headlines for promoting the practice of rent bidding - a process where tenants competed for a rental property based on demand rather than a fixed price. The practice was later prohibited under changes to the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) introduced by then-Housing Minister Phil Twyford in 2020, requiring all rental listings to display a clear price.
In recent weeks, Property Brokers has been contacted by the Tenancy Compliance and Investigations Team (TCIT) regarding the use of QR codes on our rental signage. These QR codes link directly to the online listing, where all details - including the rental price - are clearly displayed. TCIT has advised that the price must also be printed on the physical sign itself and has asked us to outline the steps we will take to ensure compliance moving forward.
This interaction has prompted us to reflect on how tenancy regulation is being interpreted - and whether current approaches are keeping pace with modern communication and marketing practices.
TCIT’s interpretation centres on accessibility, with concerns that not everyone may be able to scan a QR code. We understand and respect the intent behind that - ensuring everyone, regardless of circumstance or technology access, can easily obtain information.
However, QR codes have become a standard part of everyday communication, from menus to medical forms. They provide an efficient, contactless, and environmentally conscious way to share accurate, up-to-date details. In our case, the rental price is not hidden - it’s clearly visible online, where most tenants search first.
This raises an important question: can compliance frameworks evolve to accommodate modern, digital-first practices while still maintaining accessibility for all?
Our experience has also highlighted the importance of ensuring that compliance resources are directed toward issues that truly impact tenant wellbeing - such as substandard housing, illegal tenancies, or unsafe conditions.
Administrative or procedural oversights, particularly when no harm has occurred and information remains accessible, could be more effectively resolved through education and collaboration rather than formal investigation.
We believe that compliance agencies and property managers ultimately share the same goal: safe, fair, and transparent housing for all New Zealanders. The opportunity lies in how we work together to achieve that - through constructive dialogue and a willingness to adapt regulation to a fast-changing industry.
There are also practical considerations. Rental prices can fluctuate rapidly, particularly in dynamic markets. Reprinting and replacing signage every time a price changes requires additional vehicle trips, time, and resources - adding unnecessary emissions and cost.
By contrast, QR codes offer a sustainable, low-waste solution that ensures information remains accurate and easily updated. Modernisation in compliance practice should also recognise and encourage innovation that benefits both the environment and operational efficiency.
Our position is simple: we fully support the intent of tenancy legislation - to protect tenants and promote transparency. But we also believe it’s time to revisit how compliance is interpreted and applied in a digital age.
A modernised, outcomes-based approach - one that focuses on fairness, accessibility, and genuine tenant outcomes - will ensure agencies like TCIT remain effective and relevant. With open dialogue between industry and government, we can create a system that safeguards tenants while allowing responsible property managers to operate efficiently and sustainably.
At Property Brokers, we remain committed to compliance, transparency, and continuous improvement. But we also advocate for practical reform that reflects how people engage with information today. By embracing innovation and working collaboratively with regulators, we can ensure New Zealand’s tenancy framework continues to serve both tenants and landlords effectively - now and into the future.
