Tenancy & Housing
Tenancy & Housing judgments from New Zealand courts and tribunals, with a plain-English summary, the legal holding and frequently asked questions.
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.
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 Rules Tenant Owes $5,770.86 for Rent Arrears After Abandonment in Auckland
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal determined that a tenant had left their rented home without returning or paying rent, which allowed the landlord to terminate the tenancy and claim unpaid rent. The decision was based on the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.
Tenant ordered to pay $1,164.50 for rent and damages in Auckland
A tenant was ordered by the Tenancy Tribunal to pay rent arrears, water rates, and repair costs after vacating a rental property without proper notice or agreement with the landlord.
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.
Tribunal Rejects Storage Costs Claim, Allows Cleaning and Rubbish Removal
In this case, a landlord successfully recovered costs related to cleaning and removing waste at the end of a tenancy but was not awarded reimbursement for storing items left behind. The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that such storage is unnecessary if there are no valuable items.
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.
Tribunal Allows Landlord's Claims for £892.23 in Water Rates and Repairs
In a dispute over property damages, the Tenancy Tribunal at Manukau ruled that tenants must pay their landlord $892.23 for water rates, garden reinstatement costs, and repairs to damaged lounge walls and doors. The decision was based on the tenant's responsibility for damage beyond fair wear and tear.
Tenancy Tribunal Decision — [2026] NZTT 5515554
The Tenancy Tribunal terminated a tenant's tenancy due to abandonment of the premises and rent arrears. The landlord applied for termination under section 91AA of the Residential Tenancies Act, which allows expedited proceedings when the tenant does not contest the application and sufficient information is provided.
Tribunal awards landlord $5,622.91 for water rates in Auckland
In this Tenancy Tribunal case, the landlord successfully claimed that the tenants owe $5,622.91 for water rates based on a fair division of costs between units sharing a meter. The tenants were absent from the hearing and missed their chance to contest the claim.
Tenant Ordered to Pay $2818.44 for Damages and Cleaning Costs in Tenancy Tribunal Decision
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ordered a tenant to pay $2818.44 to their landlord for damage and cleaning issues at the end of their tenancy. This amount covers expenses such as rubbish removal, lawn work, and repairs needed due to damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Tribunal Terminates Tenancy Due to Over $2000 in Rent Arrears in Auckland
Tribunal Terminates Tenancy in Auckland Due to $2000+ Rent Arrears
The Tenancy Tribunal ended a tenant's lease because they were behind on rent by more than 21 days. The tribunal granted possession to the landlord and ordered the tenant to pay overdue rent and fees.
Tribunal reduces rent to $720 per week for assured tenancy in Auckland
In a case before the Tenancy Tribunal, the judge decided that the landlord's rent increase from $720 to $820 per week was not justified as it exceeded fair market value. The tenant won the case, with the rent being reduced back to $720.
Tenant Ordered to Pay £1,401.51 in Rent Arrears and Repair Costs in Auckland
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ordered the tenants to pay $1,401.51 in rent arrears and water rates after a rehearing where they did not attend. The landlord also claimed compensation for repairs needed at the end of the tenancy.
Tenant Loses Application After Failing to Attend Case Management Conference in Auckland
The Tenancy Tribunal dismissed the tenant's case because they missed an important meeting (Case Management Conference) without giving any notice. The Tribunal follows strict rules about attending these meetings and following their instructions.
Tribunal Rejects Landlord's Damage Claims in Auckland Tenancy Dispute
A landlord's request for compensation from a tenant for property damage was denied because there wasn't enough proof that the damage happened while the tenant lived there or that they were responsible. The Tenancy Tribunal ruled in favour of the tenant based on the evidence presented at the hearing.
Tribunal Terminates Tenancy for $10,700 in Rent Arrears in Auckland
A tenant's lease was ended by the Tenancy Tribunal because they were behind on rent payments. The tribunal ruled in favour of the landlord, who will now take over the property.
Tenant ordered to pay $1,838.13 for damages and arrears in Christchurch
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that a tenant must pay rent arrears, cleaning costs, and compensation for property damage beyond fair wear and tear. The claimant successfully recovered $1,838.13 from the tenant after proving the amount of rent owing and the extent of damages.
Tenant's Claim for Compensation Dismissed in Auckland
A tenant applied to the Tenancy Tribunal for compensation due to unexpected renovation works but was denied because their tenancy agreement was only for three months. The decision emphasised the importance of written agreements in establishing expectations and obligations between tenants and landlords.