Tenancy & Housing
Tenancy & Housing judgments from New Zealand courts and tribunals, with a plain-English summary, the legal holding and frequently asked questions.
Tenant loses case over unpaid rent: Tenancy terminated with debt order
A tenant lost a case at the Tenancy Tribunal when they failed to prove their claim that the tenancy had already been terminated by the landlord. The tribunal ordered them to pay $6,706.57 in rent arrears and vacate the property immediately.
Tenant Ordered to Pay $7,412.99 in Rent Arrears and Damages
The Tenancy Tribunal ordered a tenant to pay $7,412.99 in rent arrears and damages after finding that they failed to clean the property and remove all belongings by the end of their tenancy agreement. The landlord was also awarded costs for cleaning, rubbish removal, lock replacement, and exemplary damages.
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Damages
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled that a tenant must pay rent arrears, utility bills, and costs for property repairs because they did not comply with their obligations when leaving the rental property at lease end. The landlord provided proof of non-compliance through invoices and photos.
Tenancy Tribunal Orders Unit Owner to Pay Unpaid Levies and Interest
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled in favour of a a person, ordering a unit owner to pay $10,276.07 for unpaid levies and interest. The decision is based on the Unit Titles Act 2010, which allows body corporations to recover unpaid amounts from unit owners.
Tenant Wins Bond Refund and Exemplary Damages in Tenancy Tribunal Case
Tenant Must Pay Rent Arrears or Face Eviction
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that a tenant must repay $1,138 in unpaid rent and continue paying regular rent to avoid eviction from their rental property.
Tenant Ordered to Pay $7,412.99 for Rent Arrears and Damages
Conditional Termination Order Allows Tenant to Stay
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal allowed the tenant to stay in their rental home by agreeing to a conditional termination order. This means that if the tenant pays rent and any outstanding debt as specified, they can continue living there without immediate eviction.
Tenancy Tribunal Reduces Fixed Term Due to Unforeseen Circumstances
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Damages
In this case, a tenant was ordered to pay rent arrears and damages after leaving the property in poor condition with significant damage. The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the tenant must compensate the landlord for these issues under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.
Tenancy Tribunal Rules Tenant Responsible for Kitchen Benchtop Repair Costs
In a dispute over damage to a kitchen benchtop, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the tenant is liable for the repair costs because the damage exceeded fair wear and tear due to improper use of a drying rack.
Tenant Awarded Compensation for Unlawful Entry by Landlord's Agent
A tenant received compensation when a landlord's agent entered their home without telling them the real purpose. This happened while the property was being sold and misled the tenant about why someone was there to film the premises.
Tenants Ordered to Pay Rent and Water Arrears or Face Eviction
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that tenants must pay rent and outstanding water bills by specific deadlines or face immediate eviction. This decision is based on a previous breach notice issued for unpaid water rates, under Section 56(1) of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.
Tenancy Tribunal Rejects Landlord’s Claim for Rent Arrears and Damage Compensation
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled against the landlord who claimed rent arrears and damages from the tenant. Only a minor repair claim was upheld due to lack of sufficient proof for other claims.
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears to Avoid Eviction
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the tenant must repay $978 for rent arrears and a filing fee over 65 weeks. Failure to comply will result in immediate eviction.
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Compensation
The Tenancy Tribunal amended an order requiring a tenant to pay rent arrears and compensation for property damage, including cleaning kitchen cupboards, repairing wall holes, and fixing window damage. The landlord successfully proved that these damages occurred during the tenancy period and were not due to fair wear and tear.
Tenancy Tribunal Orders Tenant to Pay Rent Arrears and Damages
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled in favour of the landlord, ordering the tenant to pay rent arrears, cleaning costs, and compensation for property damage. The decision is based on the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, which outlines the responsibilities of tenants regarding rent payments and property condition.
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Damages
Tenant's Non-Appearance Leads to Landlord's Possession Order
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal awarded the landlord possession of the property because they had given the tenant a proper notice to leave and the tenant didn't show up for the court hearing.
Tenants Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Filing Fee
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that tenants must pay rent arrears to the landlord, along with a filing fee reimbursement. This decision is based on evidence presented during a remote hearing via Microsoft Teams.