Tenancy & Housing
Tenancy & Housing judgments from New Zealand courts and tribunals, with a plain-English summary, the legal holding and frequently asked questions.
Tribunal Ends Tenancy Over $4,480 in Rent Arrears in Auckland
Tribunal Ends Tenancy Over $9,360 in Rent Arrears in Auckland
The Tenancy Tribunal ended the tenancy of a tenant due to significant unpaid rent, despite the tenant's claims about issues with the rental property. The Tribunal ruled that the amount of unpaid rent was too large to be offset by the tenant's complaints.
Tenant Ordered to Pay $6,452.44 for Rent Arrears and Damages in Auckland
The Tenancy Tribunal ordered the tenant to pay rent arrears, power bills, and damages for ranch slider handle. The landlord successfully proved the tenant's responsibility for these costs under the Residential Tenancies Act.
Tribunal grants conditional termination order for $636.08 debt in Auckland
Tenancy Tribunal Terminates Tenancy Due to Abandonment and Rent Arrears
Tenant ordered to pay $15,020 in rent arrears and other charges
Tribunal Ends Tenancy Over $2,920.85 in Rent Arrears in Auckland
The Tenancy Tribunal ended the tenancy of a tenant because they were over 21 days late on rent payments. The landlord showed proof of the overdue rent and the tenant did not show up to the hearing.
Tenancy Tribunal Rejects Termination, Orders Rent Payment
Tenant Held Liable for Damaging Kitchen Benchtop
The Tenancy Tribunal decided that a tenant must pay to fix a chipped kitchen benchtop caused by accidentally dropping a barbecue plate while cleaning. The Tribunal determined that this constituted careless damage under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.
Tenant Fails to Appear, Tenancy Terminated Due to Rent Arrears
Body Corporate Can Recover Cleaning Costs from Unit Owner
Tenant Successfully Recovers Interest, Costs, and Filing Fees from Landlord
In a recent Tenancy Tribunal case, a tenant successfully recovered interest, costs, and the filing fee from a landlord for unpaid levies. The court ruled in favour of the tenant based on the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.
Tenant Ordered to Pay $3,204.34 for Rent Arrears and Damages
Tenant ordered to pay rent arrears and filing fee under conditional termination order
Tribunal Ends Tenancy Over Persistent Rent Arrears in Auckland
Tenant's Request to Reduce Fixed-Term Tenancy Due to Oven Issues and Noise Disturbances Dismissed
Landlord's Damage Claim Dismissed by Tenancy Tribunal
Tribunal Orders Tenant to Pay $367.38 for Damages in Christchurch
The Tenancy Tribunal ordered the tenant to pay the landlord $367.38 for damages and cleaning costs. The tenant argued that some issues were present at the start of the tenancy and that some costs were excessive or related to normal wear and tear. However, the Tribunal found the tenant responsible for certain damages and cleaning costs that exceeded fair wear and tear.
Tenant ordered to pay $16,214.57 for rent arrears and bond
The Tenancy Tribunal ordered the tenant to pay $16,214.57 to the landlord for rent arrears and a bond after the premises were deemed abandoned on 27 April 2026. The tenant did not attend the hearing.
Tribunal Terminates Tenancy for Christchurch Resident Due to £3,900 Rent Arrears
A tenant's tenancy was terminated by the Tenancy Tribunal due to rent arrears and breach of obligations. The landlord proved the amount owing through rent records, leading to the termination of the tenancy under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.