Tenancy & Housing
Tenancy & Housing judgments from New Zealand courts and tribunals, with a plain-English summary, the legal holding and frequently asked questions.
Tenant’s Late Rehearing Application Denied by Tenancy Tribunal
A tenant applied late for a rehearing at the Tenancy Tribunal but was denied because they did not attend the hearing or provide sufficient reasons for their delay. This case highlights the importance of adhering to strict timelines and attending hearings as required by law.
Tenant Must Pay $1,924 in Rent Arrears and Damages
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled in favour of a landlord who sought rent arrears and damages from a tenant. The tenant was ordered to pay $1,924 for unpaid rent, pest control costs, and property repairs due to damage caused during the tenancy.
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.
Tenancy Terminated Due to Rent Arrears
The Tenancy Tribunal terminated a tenant's lease due to unpaid rent and failure to attend the scheduled hearing. This decision highlights the importance of timely payment of rent and attending hearings as required by law.
Unit Owner Wins Right to Body Corporate Documents
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that a a person can obtain certain records from a person, such as invoices and contracts. However, the a person must first agree to cover the costs of producing these documents.
Tenant Ordered to Vacate Premises and Pay Damages
In this Tenancy Tribunal case, the court ruled that the tenant must leave the property as per the termination notice and pay outstanding rent and damages to the landlord.
Tenant Fails to Attend Hearing, Tenancy Terminated for Rent Arrears
Tenancy Tribunal Orders Tenant to Pay Damages and Bond
In a dispute before the Tenancy Tribunal, the landlord successfully claimed damages from the tenant for cleaning, rubbish removal, repairs, lawn work, and carpet replacement beyond fair wear and tear. The tribunal ruled in favour of the landlord based on evidence provided during the hearing.
Cost Recovery for Unpaid Levies Allowed by Tenancy Tribunal
Tenant Ordered to Vacate Premises Due to Methamphetamine Contamination
Tenants Must Cover Excess Insurance and Reasonable Cleaning Fees
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal found that a tenant was responsible for paying damages to the rental property beyond normal wear and tear, as well as reasonable cleaning fees when leaving the premises at the end of their tenancy. The landlord successfully recovered these costs from the bond and ordered additional payments.
Tenancy Tribunal dismisses third-party dispute application
Tenant's Bond Refund Claim Dismissed by Tenancy Tribunal
Tenant’s Tenancy Terminated for Rent Arrears
Tenancy Tribunal Orders Tenant to Pay Cleaning Costs
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that a tenant must pay $425 for cleaning costs after a dispute with the landlord over the amount. The decision was based on the requirement under section 40(1)(e) of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, which mandates tenants to leave premises reasonably clean and tidy at the end of tenancy.
Tenancy Tribunal Orders Unit Owners to Pay Body Corporate Unpaid Levies and Costs
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled that a person must pay a a person $21,025 for unpaid levies and related costs. The decision supports the right of a person corporates to recover reasonable expenses from a person under the a person Titles Act.
Tenant’s tenancy terminated for unpaid rent
Tenant Ordered to Pay $2,411.78 for Cleaning and Repairs
Tenancy Terminated After Sole Tenant's Death
Supreme Court Rejects Appeal Against Tenancy Decision
In this case, the Supreme Court dismissed an application for leave to appeal a decision by the Tenancy Tribunal and a complaint about the deletion of judicial review proceedings. The court ruled that there is no right to appeal from the Tenancy Tribunal and administrative issues do not qualify as decisions subject to appeal.