Tenancy & Housing
Tenancy & Housing judgments from New Zealand courts and tribunals, with a plain-English summary, the legal holding and frequently asked questions.
Tenancy Terminated for Rent Arrears Over 21 Days
The Tenancy Tribunal ended the tenancy of a tenant because their rent was over 21 days late. The tenant had to pay back $3,877.00 to the landlord, which included the amount owed for rent arrears and the filing fee.
Tenant's Claim to Declare Notice Retaliatory Dismissed
Tenant Loses Tenancy for Failing to Maintain Cleanliness
Tenant Held Liable for Oven Hob and Carpet Damage
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the tenant was responsible for the cracked oven hob and stained carpet, considering these damages exceeded normal wear and tear. The Tribunal awarded the landlord the cost of repairs minus the bond.
Claimant wins unpaid levies case at Tenancy Tribunal
The Tenancy Tribunal at Hamilton ruled in favour of the claimant, ordering the respondent to pay $41,475.77, which includes unpaid levies, interest, legal costs, and the filing fee. The respondent argued that the levies were improperly raised and that the Extraordinary General Meeting was not conducted according to the Unit Titles Act 2010. However, the Tribunal rejected these arguments and upheld the claimant's claim.
Tenant Entitled to Compensation for Excessive Moisture Damage
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears
Tenant ordered to pay $826.25 for rent arrears and compensation
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the tenant must pay $826.25 for unpaid rent and compensate the landlord for cleaning and weeding expenses after leaving the rental property without proper notice.
Tenant's Rehearing Application Dismissed by Tenancy Tribunal
The Tenancy Tribunal dismissed a tenant's request for a rehearing because the tenant did not provide enough proof that a serious mistake or injustice had occurred during the initial hearing.
Tenant claim dismissed for landlord's non-attendance
The Tenancy Tribunal dismissed a claim brought by a landlord against tenants because the landlord did not show up for the hearing. The Tribunal found that the rent was not overdue and that the tenants claimed they didn’t owe any water rates.
Tenancy Terminated for Abandonment and Breach of Contract
The Tenancy Tribunal terminated the tenancy of a tenant who abandoned the premises and failed to meet their obligations under the tenancy agreement. The decision was based on evidence of abandonment and breach of contract.
Tenant Wins Full Bond Refund Due to Lack of Counterclaim
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the tenant is entitled to the full bond refund because the landlord failed to file a counterclaim as required by law. The ruling emphasises the importance of landlords adhering to legal procedures when disputing bond refunds.
Tenant ordered to pay $2,560 in rent arrears
Tenant Ordered to Pay $7,870 for Leaving Property in Poor Condition
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that a tenant must leave the rental property in a reasonably clean and tidy condition and be responsible for any damage beyond fair wear and tear. In this case, the tenant was ordered to pay $7,870.12 to the landlord for leaving the property in poor condition and causing extensive damage.
Tenancy Tribunal Struck Out Application for Lack of Jurisdiction
Tenant's Application for Compensation and Eviction Dismissed by Tenancy Tribunal
The Tenancy Tribunal dismissed a tenant's application seeking compensation and eviction of a disruptive co-tenant. The Tribunal found that the landlord had taken reasonable steps to address the disruptive behavior, including issuing multiple breach notices.
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Filing Fees After Missing Hearing
Unit Owner Ordered to Pay Levies and Costs in Tenancy Tribunal Case
Tenancy Terminated Due to Rent Arrears and Window Damage
The Tenancy Tribunal ended a tenancy because the tenant owed back rent and had damaged the windows. The Tribunal ruled that the tenant must pay for the repairs since the landlord showed that the damage happened during the tenancy and was beyond normal wear and tear.