Tenancy & Housing
Tenancy & Housing judgments from New Zealand courts and tribunals, with a plain-English summary, the legal holding and frequently asked questions.
Tenant Granted Conditional Termination Order for Rent Arrears in Auckland
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.
Tribunal awards $6,512.25 for repairs after tenant abandonment in Whangarei
In this Tenancy Tribunal case, the landlord (a person) successfully recovered costs from the tenant for repairs to the property after the tenant vacated it in a very poor state of repair and cleanliness. The judge ordered the tenant to pay $6,512.25 immediately.
Tenant wins full bond refund in Tenancy Tribunal case
Tenant ordered to pay $2,361.73 for damages and unlawful use of premises
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled that a tenant must pay significant damages after it was discovered they were using their rental property unlawfully. The tenant was fined $2,361.73 for various issues including damage to locks and electrical wiring, as well as an additional $1,000 in exemplary damages due to the unlawful use of the premises.
Tenant Awarded Exemplary Damages for Unlodged Bond
Tribunal Orders Tenant to Pay $11,072.76 for Damages in Manukau
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled that a tenant must compensate the landlord for significant costs related to cleaning, repair work, and rubbish removal following their departure from the rental property. These expenses were deemed necessary due to the condition left by the tenant at the end of the tenancy.
Tribunal Awards $850 Exemplary Damages for Rental Bidding in Auckland
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal found in favour of the tenant who was subjected to rental bidding by their landlord. The court awarded the tenant exemplary damages for the unlawful act and addressed issues related to rent arrears and property damage.
Tenant ordered to pay $7,586.34 in rent arrears and vacate premises
A tenant's lease was ended by the Tenancy Tribunal because of substantial unpaid rent. The court gave the property back to the landlord and required the tenant to pay over $7,000 in arrears and other costs.
Tenant's Rehearing Application Dismissed in Auckland
A tenant requested a rehearing from the Tenancy Tribunal after an initial order was made against them, but their request was denied because they did not comply with certain conditions set by the court. The decision highlights that merely alleging legal or factual errors is insufficient to warrant a rehearing.
Tenant ordered to pay £7071.43 in rent arrears after failing to attend hearing
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that a tenant must pay $7,071.43 in rent arrears before leaving their rental property at the address, Solway, Masterton 5810. The decision was based on the tenant's failure to make timely payments and their absence from the hearing.
Tenant Ordered to Pay $513 for Rent Arrears
Tenant's Rehearing Application Dismissed in Papakura
A tenant asked the Tenancy Tribunal for a rehearing after being ordered to leave due to unpaid rent. However, the Tribunal dismissed this request because there was no evidence that a serious procedural error or new information could have changed the outcome.
Tribunal Terminates Tenancy for Tenant's Serious Misconduct in Christchurch
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.
Tribunal Terminates Tenancy Over £16,090 in Rent Arrears in Auckland
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 ordered to pay $12,551.25 for rent arrears and damages in Wellington
In this case, a tenant who abandoned their rental property was ordered to pay outstanding rent, damages for repairs, and costs related to cleaning up the premises. The landlord was permitted to remove and dispose of personal belongings left behind by the tenant.
Tenant's Absence Leads to Tenancy Termination Due to Rent Arrears
Tenant ordered to pay $6,186.91 for damages and rent arrears in Palmerston North
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.
Tribunal Terminates Tenancy for £4,328 in Rent Arrears in Auckland
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 $6,188.55 for damages in Rotorua
In this case, a tenant failed to leave their rental property clean and in good repair at the end of their tenancy. As a result, they were ordered by the Tenancy Tribunal to pay damages and exemplary damages to the landlord for causing damage and failing to vacate on time.
Tenancy Tribunal Adjourns Applications Indefinitely Due to Ongoing Appeal in Auckland
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.