Tenancy & Housing
Tenancy & Housing judgments from New Zealand courts and tribunals, with a plain-English summary, the legal holding and frequently asked questions.
Tenant Ordered to Pay $630.45 for End-of-Tenancy Obligations Not Met
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled in favour of the landlord after the tenant failed to comply with their responsibilities at the end of the lease. The tenant was ordered to pay $630.45 for cleaning costs, rubbish removal, key replacement, and other expenses due to non-compliance.
Tribunal Ends Tenancy for Tenant's Long-term Absence in Auckland
In this case, a tenant’s tenancy was terminated by the Tenancy Tribunal because they had been away from their home for more than six months without proper notice or reason. This decision highlights the importance of adhering to residency requirements in social housing agreements.
Tenant's Claim Dismissed for Not Showing Up at Hearing in Auckland
In this case, the tenant's application was dismissed because they did not attend the scheduled hearing as required by the Tenancy Tribunal rules. This highlights the importance of attending hearings in order to prove one’s claims.
Tenant Ordered to Clean Overgrown Property in Auckland
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the tenant must clean up their rental property by removing all rubbish inside and outside, including in the garden shed, and maintain lawns and fence lines. If they fail to do so by the deadline, the landlord can charge them up to $3000 for the work.
Tribunal Orders Tenant to Pay $1,666.40 for Cleaning and Rubbish Removal Costs in Auckland
The Tenancy Tribunal decided that when a tenant leaves their rental property, they must ensure it is clean and free from any rubbish before returning all keys to the landlord. The decision was made in favour of the landlord who had to pay for cleaning and removing rubbish left by the tenant.
Tribunal Awards $4,543.86 Damages for Failure to Maintain Heating and Unlawful Entry
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled that a landlord must compensate a tenant for heating issues and breaches of quiet enjoyment, while also awarding compensation to the landlord for damages caused by the tenant at the end of the tenancy.
Tenant Ordered to Pay $1,690.29 in Rent Arrears and Return Keys - Tenancy Tribunal Decision
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ordered the tenant to pay rent arrears and other costs to the landlord. However, the tribunal dismissed the landlord's claim for cleaning expenses because it was determined that the premises were left reasonably clean and tidy at the end of the tenancy.
Tenant ordered to pay $2,890 in rent arrears in Christchurch
A tenant was required by the Tenancy Tribunal to make regular payments for past-due rent and ongoing rent or face losing their rental home immediately. The decision aims to help the tenant maintain their housing while settling debts.
Tenant wins £6,056.41 in levy recovery from owner in Tenancy Tribunal
In this case, a a person successfully recovered unpaid levies and interest from a a person who failed to pay on time. The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the a person must also cover a person's collection costs.
Tenant ordered to pay $5,006.23 for rent and water rates arrears in Auckland
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ordered the tenant to pay rent and water rates arrears after they failed to leave the property clean and tidy as required by law. The landlord received partial compensation for their losses.
Tenant wins partial claim for repairs and compensation in Waitakere
A tenant won compensation for loss of amenity and received work orders from the Tenancy Tribunal after the landlord did not properly maintain the property, failing to meet Healthy Homes Standards.
Tribunal dismisses landlord's claims over garden and garage in Auckland
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled in favour of the tenant who requested a bond refund after leaving the property. The landlord's claims regarding damage to plants and carpet were dismissed as the tribunal found that the damage was due to flooding and fair wear and tear.
Tenant's Non-Attendance Results in Bond Refund in North Shore Tenancy Case
The Tenancy Tribunal dismissed a tenant’s claim for non-attendance at the hearing and ordered the bond of $2,160 to be returned due to lack of landlord's counterclaim. The decision highlights the importance of attending hearings as required by law.
Tenant ordered to pay $8,948.64 for rent arrears and damages in Manukau
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that tenants must pay rent arrears and damages for leaving a property in poor condition, failing to clean it properly or remove rubbish as required by law at the end of their tenancy. The tribunal found them liable for cleaning costs and damage beyond fair wear and tear.
Tenant Wins Damages for Landlord's Failure to Inform of Sale in Wanaka
Tribunal Terminates Tenancy Due to Abandonment in Whangarei
The Tenancy Tribunal ended a fixed-term tenancy after the tenants abandoned the rental property without paying rent or addressing damages. The tribunal ordered them to pay outstanding rent, water rates, and other costs associated with ending the lease early.
Tribunal Ends Tenancy Over Threats to Kill Neighbour in Auckland
The Tenancy Tribunal ended a tenant's lease because they made serious threats of violence and engaged in anti-social behaviour. The decision was based on the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.
Hamilton Tenancy Tribunal Orders Tenant to Pay $7,834 for Damages
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal at Hamilton ruled that a tenant must pay damages to the landlord for failing to leave the rental property clean and tidy and causing damage beyond normal wear and tear. The ruling is based on the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.
Tribunal dismisses landlord's claim for compensation over Council rubbish bins
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled against a landlord's request to be compensated for emptying Council rubbish and recycling bins after tenants moved out. The decision was based on whether the property was left in a reasonable state of cleanliness at the end of the tenancy.
Tribunal Orders Tenant to Pay $3,533.95 for Damages and Arrears in Auckland
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the tenant must pay rent arrears and damages for cleaning and repairs after failing to leave the property in a clean state and causing damage. The decision is based on the Residential Tenancies Act.