Tenancy & Housing
Tenancy & Housing judgments from New Zealand courts and tribunals, with a plain-English summary, the legal holding and frequently asked questions.
Tenant Must Pay Rent Arrears or Face Immediate Termination
A tenant was ordered by the Tenancy Tribunal to pay $21,128 for past-due rent and must also make regular monthly payments or face immediate eviction under New Zealand's Residential Tenancies Act.
Tenant's Failure to Return Constitutes Abandonment
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal decided to terminate the tenancy because the tenant did not return to the property as agreed and left rent unpaid. The landlord was granted possession of the premises due to abandonment and arrears.
Tenant Wins Full Bond Refund Due to Lack of Counterclaim
Tenant Ordered to Pay Landlord Over $2,000 for Rent Arrears
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the tenant must pay the landlord $2,583.14 for unpaid rent and bond at the end of a fixed-term tenancy. The claimant successfully proved there was no agreement allowing the tenant to leave early without paying.
Tenancy Tribunal Dismisses Landlord's Claim Due to Non-Attendance
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal dismissed a landlord's request to terminate a tenancy agreement because neither the landlord nor the tenants attended the scheduled hearing. This highlights the importance of attending all hearings in tenant disputes.
Tenant Ordered to Vacate Due to Rent Arrears
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the tenant must leave their rental property because they did not pay rent on time for at least 21 days before the landlord filed an application. The tribunal also ordered the tenant to pay back rent and other fees owed to the landlord.
Tenant's Tenancy Terminated for Rent Arrears
A tenant failed to pay their rent on time, leading to substantial arrears. As a result, the Tenancy Tribunal terminated the tenancy and ordered the tenant to pay the outstanding rent.
Landlord’s Claim Dismissed Due to Lack of Evidence in Rent Arrears Case
The Tenancy Tribunal dismissed a landlord's claim against a tenant for unpaid rent, electricity charges, cleaning costs, and an improperly refunded bond due to insufficient evidence. The case highlights the importance of providing detailed financial records and clear documentation when making claims in tenancy disputes.
Tenant’s Tenancy Terminated Through Expedited Process Due to Abandonment
The Tenancy Tribunal terminated a tenant’s tenancy through an expedited process because the tenant had abandoned the property and was behind on rent payments. This decision was made without holding a hearing as the tenant did not dispute the landlord's claims.
Conditional Termination Order with Repayment Plan
Tenants Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears After Non-Attendance
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the tenants must pay $513 for unpaid rent and a filing fee because they did not show up for their scheduled hearing. The landlord's representative, a person, successfully argued on behalf of the landlord.
Tenancy Tribunal Terminates Boarding House Tenancy Due to Misconduct
The Tenancy Tribunal at Manukau terminated a tenant's boarding house tenancy due to repeated breaches of obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act. The tenant was accused of causing excessive noise, confronting other tenants, interfering with CCTV equipment, and leaving the room in an untidy condition.
Tenant Ordered to Pay $6,186.91 for Damages and Rent Arrears
Tenancy Tribunal Postpones Hearing Until Appeal Resolved
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal decided to postpone both applications until an ongoing appeal is resolved. This decision helps prevent additional court proceedings and ensures clarity in the legal process.
Tenancy Terminated: Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears
In this case, a tenant failed to attend a hearing regarding their unpaid rent and bond. As a result, the Tenancy Tribunal terminated the tenancy and ordered the tenant to vacate the property by a specific date and pay outstanding rent and fees.
Tenant Ordered to Pay $513 for Rent Arrears
Tenant Ordered to Pay Landlord $839.79 for Rent Arrears and Costs
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ordered the tenant to pay the landlord for outstanding rent and additional expenses like cleaning fees. The decision was made based on the agreement between the parties during the hearing.
Tenant's Absence Leads to Tenancy Termination Due to Rent Arrears
Tenant Must Allow Landlord Access for Inspection
A tenant was ordered by the Tenancy Tribunal to let the landlord enter their home for an inspection after refusing multiple notices. This decision highlights the importance of complying with legal requirements and respecting property rights under New Zealand law.
Tenancy Tribunal Orders Tenant to Pay Rent Arrears and Damages
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ordered a tenant to pay rent arrears, damages for property damage, and compensation for methamphetamine contamination found at the end of their tenancy. The decision was based on evidence that the tenant did not leave the premises in a reasonable condition and caused significant damage.