Tenancy & Housing
Tenancy & Housing judgments from New Zealand courts and tribunals, with a plain-English summary, the legal holding and frequently asked questions.
Tenant Fails to Attend Hearing, Loses Premises and Pays Filing Fee
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.
Tribunal Orders $14,913.79 Payment for Unpaid Levies and Costs in Auckland
Tribunal Rejects Landlord's Expedited Abandonment Application
Tribunal Terminates Tenancy for Rent Arrears in Tokoroa
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.
Tribunal Rejects Landlord’s Expedited Abandonment Request for Auckland Tenant
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.
Tribunal Terminates Tenancy Due to £7,939 Rent Arrears in Auckland
Tenant ordered to pay $6,185 for rent arrears and damages
Tenancy Terminated for Tenant's Failure to Live at Premises
Tribunal Orders Tenant to Pay $1,104.83 for Rent Arrears and Damages in Invercargill
Tribunal Orders Tenant to Pay $597 in Rent Arrears in Auckland
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.
Tribunal Awards $1,000 Exemplary Damages for Late Bond Lodgment in Auckland
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 - Tenancy Tribunal
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.
Tenancy Terminated Due to Methamphetamine Contamination
The Tenancy Tribunal ended a lease because the rental unit was contaminated with methamphetamine, making it unsafe for the tenant to live in. The landlord showed that the contamination levels were high enough to pose health risks, resulting in the tenant having to leave the premises.
Tenant Ordered to Pay $1,670.35 for Cleaning and Repairs
In a recent Tenancy Tribunal case, a tenant was ordered to pay $1,670.35 to the landlord for cleaning and repair costs after failing to leave the premises in a reasonable state and causing damage beyond fair wear and tear.
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Damages for Leaving Property Untidy
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Clean Up Premises
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the tenant must pay the landlord $23,581.70, including rent arrears, cleaning costs, and compensation for damage to the premises beyond fair wear and tear. The tenant failed to leave the premises reasonably clean and tidy, and did not remove all rubbish as required by the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.