Tenancy & Housing
Tenancy & Housing judgments from New Zealand courts and tribunals, with a plain-English summary, the legal holding and frequently asked questions.
Tenant's Request to Reduce Fixed-Term Tenancy Denied
Claimant Wins Possession Order Against Respondent
The Tenancy Tribunal granted the claimant possession of their property, finding that the respondent was occupying the property as a squatter without a valid right of occupation.
Tribunal Denies Expedited Termination of Tenancy Due to Insufficient Evidence
The Tenancy Tribunal denied a landlord's request to terminate a tenancy quickly due to lack of sufficient evidence. The Tribunal emphasised the need for clear documentation to support such requests.
Claimant wins levy recovery case at Tenancy Tribunal
Tenant Loses Tenancy Due to Unpaid Rent
The Tenancy Tribunal ended a tenant's lease because they didn't pay their rent on time. The tenant had 14 days to fix the problem but didn't, so the landlord got back the bond and was awarded additional money.
Tenant ordered to pay $6,185 for rent arrears and damages
Tenant Fails to Attend Hearing, Loses Premises and Pays Filing Fee
Tenant Granted Conditional Termination Order and Repayment Plan
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled in favour of the tenant, granting a conditional termination order that allows the tenant to stay in the property while repaying overdue rent through a structured payment plan. The order specifies a payment schedule and outlines the consequences if the tenant fails to meet their obligations.
Tenant's tenancy terminated for abandonment by Tenancy Tribunal
Tenant wins bond refund and exemplary damages from landlord
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled in favour of the tenant, ordering the landlord to pay $931.00 from the bond and $150.00 in exemplary damages for failing to lodge the bond within the required timeframe. The Tribunal determined that the landlord had breached their obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Compensate for Damages
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Compensation for Cleaning and Repair Costs
Tenant Wins Reduction of Fixed-Term Tenancy Due to Severe Hardship
The Tenancy Tribunal reduced the fixed-term tenancy of a tenant who faced severe hardship due to unforeseen changes in her living situation. The tenant had to move out and is now in social housing.
Tenancy Tribunal Terminates Lease Due to Rent Arrears
Tenancy Terminated Due to Rent Arrears
Tenant Wins Bond Refund and Exemplary Damages
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled in favour of the tenant, ordering the landlord to pay $1,000 in exemplary damages for failing to lodge the bond with Tenancy Services within the required timeframe.
Tenant's Application Dismissed for Not Attending Hearing
The Tenancy Tribunal dismissed the tenant's application because they did not attend the scheduled hearing. The tenant had another 10 minutes to arrive, but they did not show up, leading to the dismissal of their case.