Tenancy & Housing
Tenancy & Housing judgments from New Zealand courts and tribunals, with a plain-English summary, the legal holding and frequently asked questions.
Tenant Successfully Argues Protection Under Residential Tenancies Act
Tenant Ordered to Pay $904.20 for Damages
Tenancy Terminated for Abandonment and Rent Arrears
Rent Arrears Claim Dismissed Due to Lack of Evidence
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal dismissed a landlord's claim for rent arrears because the landlord failed to provide sufficient evidence and a complete rent summary.
Tenant ordered to pay $2,625.29 for rent arrears and break lease costs
Tenant Awarded Exemplary Damages for Faulty Smoke Alarm
The Tenancy Tribunal awarded $2,000 in exemplary damages to a tenant for a landlord's failure to promptly replace a faulty smoke alarm. The Tribunal highlighted the importance of fire safety measures and the landlord's obligation to ensure smoke alarms are in full working order.
Landlord's Rent Claim Dismissed Due to Lack of Compliance
Tenants Ordered to Pay $10,069.82 for Rent Arrears and Property Damage
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Property Damages
The Tenancy Tribunal ordered the tenant to pay rent arrears and damages for leaving the property in a poor condition, including extensive cleaning and repairs.
Tenant ordered to pay rent arrears and damages
The Tenancy Tribunal ordered the tenant to pay rent arrears, compensate for damages to the walls, carpet, and shower, and cover cleaning and rubbish removal costs at the end of the tenancy. The tenant disputed the amounts but failed to provide evidence of additional payments or incorrect invoices.
Tenant Awarded Rent Arrears and Damages
Co-Tenants Ordered to Pay Joint Liability for Rent Arrears
Tenancy Tribunal Dismisses Landlord's Cleaning and Minor Damage Claims
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled against the landlord's claims for cleaning and minor wall damage. The tenants were found not responsible for these issues as the landlord did not provide enough evidence to prove the claims.
Landlord wins rent arrears, loses lawn work claim
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the landlord must return the bond and pay rent arrears to the landlord, but dismissed the claim for lawn work compensation as the landlord did not provide sufficient evidence.
Tenant's Notice to End Tenancy Upheld by Tenancy Tribunal
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Cleaning Fees After Early Departure
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that a tenant must pay rent arrears and cleaning fees after leaving a property early. The landlord is required to return the bond to the tenant.
Tenant's Application Upheld After Mediation
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal dismissed one application because the landlord didn't show up for the hearing. However, they upheld a mediated order because both the landlord and tenant had previously agreed to it during a mediation session.
Tenant Ordered to Pay $29,937 for Damages and Non-Compliance
The Tenancy Tribunal ordered the tenant to pay the landlord $29,937.19 for damages and non-compliance with end-of-tenancy obligations. The tenant left the premises unreasonably dirty and damaged, failed to remove rubbish, and did not return keys.