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 $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.
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 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.
Tribunal Terminates Tenancy Due to Rent Arrears in Kaihoke
The Tenancy Tribunal at Kaikohe terminated a tenancy because the tenant stopped paying rent for over 21 days and methamphetamine testing was positive on the premises. The landlord received possession of the property immediately and the tenant had to pay $5,454.64.
Tribunal Terminates Tenancy Due to Over $2000 in Rent Arrears in Auckland
Tribunal grants conditional termination order for $2,873.28 in rent arrears
Tribunal Limits Landlord's Claim for Rent Arrears to May 26, 2025 Due to Tenant's Incarceration
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that a tenant's rent arrears are limited due to their incarceration and the landlord’s delay in recovering possession of the property. The decision highlights the importance of landlords taking reasonable steps to mitigate losses when tenants cannot return possession.
Tribunal Awards $4,675 Compensation for Construction Interference in Christchurch
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled in favour of the tenants who claimed compensation due to extensive construction work during their tenancy that significantly impacted their living conditions. The tribunal awarded them $4,675 for interference with quiet enjoyment and ordered the landlords to pay rent arrears.
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 Rules Accommodation in Commercial Lease is Residential Tenancy
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal at Invercargill determined that a property used for both commercial and residential purposes is primarily residential. This means it falls under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), providing tenants with more security and rights.
Tenant Loses Tenancy Over Abandonment and Unpaid Rent Arrears in Auckland
The Tenancy Tribunal ended the tenant's lease because they left without paying rent or giving proper notice. This case shows that tenants must pay their rent and follow tenancy rules to avoid losing their home.
Landlord wins $1,485.00 rent arrears claim in Tenancy Tribunal
In this Tenancy Tribunal case, the tenant was ordered to pay rent arrears and a filing fee after failing to attend the hearing. The bond amount was also returned to the landlord. This ruling highlights the importance of addressing rent payments on time and attending scheduled hearings.
Tribunal Rejects Tenant's Claim for Moving and Cleaning Costs
Tenant Loses Tenancy Over Partner's Repeated Disturbances in Auckland
A landlord successfully ended a lease because the tenant’s partner repeatedly disrupted their neighbors with loud arguments and dangerous behavior. This decision was based on the Residential Tenancies Act, which allows landlords to terminate tenancies for breaches that are serious or repetitive.
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.
Tenant's application dismissed for failing to attend hearing in New Plymouth
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal dismissed the landlord’s application because they did not follow the court’s instructions or show up at the scheduled hearing. This highlights the importance of adhering to court procedures in tenancy disputes.
Tribunal Terminates Tenancy Due to $7,448 in Rent Arrears in Auckland
A tenant's lease was ended by the Tenancy Tribunal because they hadn't paid their rent for over 21 days. The tribunal ordered the tenant to leave the property and pay back the missed rent plus a filing fee.
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 $2,022.80 for rent arrears and damages in Palmerston North
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that tenants must pay rent arrears, bond deductions, and repair costs for leaving the property in a state of disrepair and causing intentional damage during their tenancy. This decision highlights the tenant's responsibility to maintain the premises and leave it clean and tidy.