Tenancy & Housing
Tenancy & Housing judgments from New Zealand courts and tribunals, with a plain-English summary, the legal holding and frequently asked questions.
Tenant Loses Retaliatory Termination Notice Claim at Tenancy Tribunal
The Tenancy Tribunal dismissed a tenant's application seeking a declaration that a termination notice was retaliatory and an award of exemplary damages. The tenant claimed the notice was retaliatory because they reset a wifi extender. However, the Tribunal found insufficient evidence to support the claim.
Tenant Held Liable for Meth Contamination Found During Tenancy
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the tenant was responsible for methamphetamine contamination found during their tenancy. The landlord argued that the contamination was due to methamphetamine use, while the tenant denied responsibility. The Tribunal sided with the landlord, finding the tenant liable for the damage.
Conditional Termination Order Granted for Rent Arrears
The Tenancy Tribunal granted a conditional termination order for a tenant owing rent arrears and a filing fee, giving the tenant two weeks to repay the debt or face immediate termination.
Tenant Ordered to Clean Property or Pay $1,700
The Tenancy Tribunal ordered the tenant to clean and clear the exterior of the rental property or pay $1,700 to the landlord because the property was in a very untidy state, with overgrown lawns and discarded items scattered around.
Tenancy Tribunal Awards Rent Arrears, Dismisses Water and Carpet Claims
Tenant's Request to Reduce Fixed-Term Tenancy Dismissed
The Tenancy Tribunal dismissed a tenant's request to reduce a fixed-term tenancy. The tenant argued that safety concerns and poor conditions of the property warranted early termination, but the Tribunal found insufficient evidence to support these claims.
Claim Dismissed for Non-Attendance at Tenancy Tribunal Hearing
Tenancy Terminated for Rent Arrears
Tenant's Claims Dismissed for Not Showing Up
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Damages for Cleaning and Repairs
Claimant Awarded Costs for Breach of Operational Rules
Tenant's Rehearing Application Dismissed by Tenancy Tribunal
The Tenancy Tribunal dismissed a tenant's request for a rehearing because the tenant did not attend the scheduled hearing and did not provide any convincing evidence to support the request. The original decision, which favoured the landlord due to unpaid rent, stayed in effect.
Tenancy Tribunal Dismisses Application Due to Non-Appearing Parties
Tenancy Terminated Due to Rent Arrears Exceeding 21 Days
The Tenancy Tribunal ended the tenancy of a tenant because their rent was over 21 days late. This decision was based on the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Compensation
Tenant's Claim Dismissed for Lack of Evidence
Tenant granted conditional termination order to avoid eviction
Tenant Must Remove Unauthorised Structures and Seek Consent
The Tenancy Tribunal ordered a tenant to remove unauthorised structures such as a fence, lean-to, and garage extension. The tenant was required to return the property to its original condition and obtain consent from the landlord for any future modifications.
Tenancy Terminated for Rent Arrears - Tenancy Tribunal Decision
The Tenancy Tribunal ended a tenancy because the tenant failed to pay rent on time. The landlord was given possession of the property and received compensation for unpaid rent.