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 rent arrears and bond in monthly installments
Tenant ordered to pay rent arrears and damages
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the tenant must pay rent arrears, water charges, and the insurance excess for a damaged cooktop. However, the claim for a nominal break lease fee was dismissed.
Tenant Wins Exemplary Damages for Breach of Standards
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled in favour of the tenant, awarding $3,627.00 in damages for breaches of the Residential Tenancies ([Company]) 2019 standards, including ventilation and window maintenance issues. The landlord's claim for loss of rent was dismissed.
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Damages
Tenant ordered to pay $3,985.45 for rent arrears and filing fee
The Tenancy Tribunal ordered the tenant to pay $3,985.45, including rent arrears and filing fee reimbursement, after the tenant failed to attend the hearing.
Tenant ordered to pay rent arrears to avoid termination
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the tenant must pay $11,007.00 to the landlord for unpaid rent. If the tenant fails to make the payment, the landlord can terminate the tenancy and regain possession of the property.
Tenant's Rent Reimbursement Claim Dismissed by Tenancy Tribunal
Unit Owner Ordered to Pay Levies and Costs
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the unit owner must pay levies, interest, costs, and filing fees to the manager. This decision was made under the Unit Titles Act 2010 and the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.
Claim for Compensation and Exemplary Damages Dismissed
Tenant wins compensation for unauthorised charges
Tenant Wins Order for Landlord to Sell Leftover Goods
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the landlord must sell the tenant's goods left behind at the end of the tenancy and pay the proceeds to the tenant, minus any outstanding debts. The landlord must sell items with a saleable value and dispose of those without value as they see fit.
Tribunal Rejects Landlord's Claims for Termination and Market Rent
Tenancy Tribunal Suppresses Names and Identifying Details
Claimant Awarded Legal Costs After Unsuccessful Tenancy Application
The Tenancy Tribunal dismissed an application made by the claimant against the respondent. After a rehearing, the Tribunal ruled that the respondent must pay the claimant's legal costs, totaling $15,362.16, because the case was complex and required significant legal preparation.
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Cleaning Fees
The Tenancy Tribunal ordered the tenant to pay $4,645.26, including rent arrears, water rates, and cleaning fees, after the tenant failed to comply with their obligations at the end of the tenancy.
Tenant Wins Relief for Unlawful Entry and Breach of Quiet Enjoyment
In a recent Tenancy Tribunal case, a tenant successfully claimed relief for unlawful entry and breach of quiet enjoyment. The Tribunal found that the landlord's agent had entered the premises without consent and had breached the tenants' right to quiet enjoyment, but did not award exemplary damages.
Tenancy Terminated for Rent Arrears and Breach of Obligations
Tenancy Terminated Due to Abandonment and Rent Arrears
Tenant Ordered to Pay $853.64 for Cleaning and Repairs
The Tenancy Tribunal ordered the tenant to pay the landlord $853.64 for cleaning, rubbish removal, and repairs after the tenant failed to leave the rental property clean and tidy at the end of the tenancy.