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Tenancy & Housing

Tenancy & Housing judgments from New Zealand courts and tribunals, with a plain-English summary, the legal holding and frequently asked questions.

AllowedTenancy Tribunal·02 Jun 2026

Tenancy Terminated for Rent Arrears Over 21 Days

AllowedTenancy Tribunal·02 Jun 2026

Tenancy Terminated for Abandonment and Rent Arrears - Tenancy Tribunal Decision

AllowedTenancy Tribunal·01 Jun 2026

Tenancy Terminated Due to Abandonment and Rent Arrears

The Tenancy Tribunal ended a lease because the tenants left without telling the landlord and didn't pay their rent. This decision followed rules in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.

AllowedTenancy Tribunal·01 Jun 2026

Tenant's Tenancy Terminated for Abandonment

A tenant's tenancy was ended by the Tenancy Tribunal because they abandoned their home without paying rent. This decision followed a special fast-track procedure allowed when tenants leave and don't intend to return or meet their obligations.

DismissedTenancy Tribunal·01 Jun 2026

Tribunal Denies Landlord’s Expedited Abandonment Request Due to Lack of Evidence

In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal rejected the landlord’s request to terminate the tenancy through an expedited process because they did not provide enough proof that the tenant had abandoned the property. The decision emphasises the need for strong documentary evidence when seeking such termination under the Residential Tenancies Act.

DismissedTenancy Tribunal·01 Jun 2026

Tribunal Denies Landlord's Expedited Termination Request Due to Lack of Evidence

In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal denied a landlord's request to terminate a tenancy through an expedited process because there wasn't enough evidence provided. This highlights that landlords must submit strong documentation to support such applications under New Zealand law.

AllowedTenancy Tribunal·01 Jun 2026

Tenancy Terminated for Tenant’s Abandonment and Rent Arrears

The Tenancy Tribunal terminated a tenant's tenancy after they abandoned their rental property due to health issues and did not respond to the landlord’s inquiries. The tribunal granted possession to the landlord because rent was in arrears, meeting the criteria for abandonment under New Zealand law.

Allowed in PartTenancy Tribunal·01 Jun 2026

Tenant Not Liable for Excessive Lawn Reinstatement Costs

In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal decided that a tenant is not responsible for covering the cost of installing ready lawn if it exceeds the standard agreed upon in their rental agreement. While the landlord was successful in recovering rent arrears, they were unable to recover costs associated with replacing grass.

DismissedTenancy Tribunal·01 Jun 2026

Tribunal Denies Landlord’s Expedited Abandonment Request

A landlord's request to terminate a tenant's lease quickly due to suspected abandonment was denied because it appeared the tenant had simply moved out with proper notice and left keys behind, not abandoning the property without reason. A full court hearing is now scheduled.

Allowed in PartTenancy Tribunal·01 Jun 2026

Tribunal Awards Water Rate Refund and Minor Repairs in Tenancy Dispute

In this tenancy dispute, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the tenant is entitled to a refund for overpaid water rates fixed costs. The tribunal also agreed with the landlord's claim for minor repairs but dismissed other claims due to insufficient evidence and lack of start-of-tenancy photographs.

DismissedTenancy Tribunal·01 Jun 2026

Tenant Obligations Upheld Against Landlord's Claim for Ready Lawn Costs

DismissedTenancy Tribunal·01 Jun 2026

Tribunal Rejects Landlord's Expedited Abandonment Application Due to Insufficient Evidence

DismissedTenancy Tribunal·01 Jun 2026

Expedited Abandonment Process Denied by Tenancy Tribunal

Allowed in PartTenancy Tribunal·31 May 2026

Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Listing Fees

In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal found that the tenants were responsible for paying rent arrears and a cost incurred by the landlord to advertise the property on a person. However, they did not have to pay for cleaning costs at the end of their tenancy.

AllowedTenancy Tribunal·31 May 2026

Tenant Wins Compensation for Landlord's Failure to Maintain Property

A tenant successfully sued their landlord at the Tenancy Tribunal for failing to keep the a person in good condition over many years. The court ordered the landlord to pay significant damages.

DismissedTenancy Tribunal·31 May 2026

Tenancy Tribunal Dismisses Claims, Orders Filing Fee Payment

In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal dismissed all claims made by both landlords and tenants regarding compensation and exemplary damages. The tribunal also ordered the tenants to reimburse the landlord's filing fee due to lack of sufficient evidence supporting their claims.

AllowedTenancy Tribunal·30 May 2026

Tenancy Tribunal Orders Immediate Possession Against Squatters

The claimant successfully obtained possession of a property from squatters in Waitoa, New Zealand. After purchasing the property at auction and serving notice, the Tenancy Tribunal ordered the previous owners to vacate immediately under section 65 of the Residential Tenancies Act.

AllowedTenancy Tribunal·29 May 2026

Tenancy Tribunal Orders Tenant to Pay $1,692 for Rent Arrears and Damages

The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that a tenant must pay the landlord $1,692.73 for unpaid rent, cleaning costs, and damages to the property beyond fair wear and tear. The decision was based on evidence provided by the landlord showing damage to the premises and non-compliance with tenancy obligations.

DismissedTenancy Tribunal·29 May 2026

Tenancy Tribunal Cannot Hear Claims Against Building Managers

In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal determined it does not have the authority to handle disputes between tenants and a person managers. Instead, such issues should be addressed in the Disputes Tribunal. This decision is based on the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, which specifies that only disputes involving landlords are within the jurisdiction of the Tenancy Tribunal.

AllowedTenancy Tribunal·29 May 2026

Tenants Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Cleaning Costs

In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled that tenants must pay rent arrears and compensate for cleaning and rubbish removal from their bond. The decision was made because the tenants did not comply with their obligations at the end of the tenancy.

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