Tenancy & Housing
Tenancy & Housing judgments from New Zealand courts and tribunals, with a plain-English summary, the legal holding and frequently asked questions.
Tenant Wins Full Bond Refund Due to Agent Failure
Tenant Must Pay Rent Arrears or Face Eviction
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that a tenant must repay $1,138 in unpaid rent and continue paying regular rent to avoid eviction from their rental property.
Tenant’s Tenancy Terminated Due to Abandonment and Rent Arrears
The Tenancy Tribunal terminated a tenant's tenancy because they abandoned their rented property without returning or paying rent. The decision was based on clear evidence provided by the landlord under New Zealand’s residential tenancy laws.
Tenant's Abandonment and Rent Arrears Lead to Termination
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled that a tenant's abandonment of their rental property and failure to pay rent led to the termination of their tenancy agreement. The tribunal ordered the tenant to vacate immediately and pay outstanding amounts to the landlord.
Tenant Ordered to Pay $7,412.99 in Rent Arrears and Damages
The Tenancy Tribunal ordered a tenant to pay $7,412.99 in rent arrears and damages after finding that they failed to clean the property and remove all belongings by the end of their tenancy agreement. The landlord was also awarded costs for cleaning, rubbish removal, lock replacement, and exemplary damages.
Tenancy Tribunal Rejects Landlord’s Claim for Rent Arrears and Damage Compensation
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled against the landlord who claimed rent arrears and damages from the tenant. Only a minor repair claim was upheld due to lack of sufficient proof for other claims.
Tenancy Tribunal Orders Tenant to Pay Rent Arrears and Damages
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled in favour of the landlord, ordering the tenant to pay rent arrears, cleaning costs, and compensation for property damage. The decision is based on the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, which outlines the responsibilities of tenants regarding rent payments and property condition.
Tenancy Tribunal Rules Tenant Must Keep Property Clean and Register Pets
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that a tenant is in breach of their obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act for not maintaining the cleanliness of their rented property and failing to microchip or register their dog as required by the landlord. The decision highlights the importance of complying with these requirements to avoid further legal action.
Tenant Non-Attendance Leads to Immediate Eviction Order
In this case, the landlord successfully obtained an eviction order from the Tenancy Tribunal after the tenant did not attend a hearing. The tribunal ruled in favour of the landlord due to significant property damage and urgent business needs.
Tenant’s Retaliatory Notice Claim Rejected by Tenancy Tribunal
A tenant's claim that their landlord's termination notice was retaliatory due to minor maintenance complaints was rejected by the Tenancy Tribunal. The decision highlights the need for clear evidence of retaliation and timely preparation of claims.
Tenant Must Tidy Lawns or Pay $1,000 - Tenancy Tribunal
The Tenancy Tribunal ordered a tenant to either clean up lawns at their rental property within 21 days or pay $1,000. This decision was made because the tenant did not maintain the lawns as required by the Residential Tenancies Act.
Tenants Ordered to Pay Rent and Water Arrears or Face Eviction
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that tenants must pay rent and outstanding water bills by specific deadlines or face immediate eviction. This decision is based on a previous breach notice issued for unpaid water rates, under Section 56(1) of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.
Tenant Found in Breach for Dirty Premises and Unregistered Dog
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Compensation
The Tenancy Tribunal amended an order requiring a tenant to pay rent arrears and compensation for property damage, including cleaning kitchen cupboards, repairing wall holes, and fixing window damage. The landlord successfully proved that these damages occurred during the tenancy period and were not due to fair wear and tear.
Tenant Wins Compensation for Landlord's Failure to Maintain Premises
The Tenancy Tribunal awarded $373.00 to the tenant after finding that the landlord failed to maintain the shower properly, causing damage and loss of amenity. The decision highlights the importance of landlords maintaining rental properties in a reasonable state of repair under New Zealand law.
Tenant Wins Bond Refund and Damages from Landlord
The Tenancy Tribunal at New Plymouth ruled in favour of the tenant who successfully recovered her bond and received additional compensation due to the landlord’s failure to deposit the bond as required by law. However, claims related to interference with water supply were not upheld.
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Damages
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled that a tenant must pay rent arrears, utility bills, and costs for property repairs because they did not comply with their obligations when leaving the rental property at lease end. The landlord provided proof of non-compliance through invoices and photos.
Tenants Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Return Bond
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ordered tenants to pay their outstanding rent of $3,600 and return a bond of $2,800. Both parties agreed on the amount owed at the end of the tenancy, and the landlord did not request reimbursement for filing fees.
Tenancy Tribunal Orders Unit Owner to Pay Unpaid Levies and Interest
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled in favour of a a person, ordering a unit owner to pay $10,276.07 for unpaid levies and interest. The decision is based on the Unit Titles Act 2010, which allows body corporations to recover unpaid amounts from unit owners.
Tenancy Tribunal Rules Tenant Responsible for Kitchen Benchtop Repair Costs
In a dispute over damage to a kitchen benchtop, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the tenant is liable for the repair costs because the damage exceeded fair wear and tear due to improper use of a drying rack.