Tenancy Tribunal case law
Judgments from the Tenancy Tribunal with a plain-English summary, the legal holding and frequently asked questions. The original content is public and official; the summaries and analysis are produced by VadeLab's technology.
Tenancy Tribunal Orders Tenant to Compensate Landlord for Damage
In a dispute between a tenant and landlord over cleaning costs and replacement expenses after a tenancy ended, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled in favour of the landlord. The tenant must pay for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Tribunal Orders Tenant to Clean Property or Face Penalties
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the tenant must clean up their rental property by removing all rubbish inside and outside, including in the garden shed, and maintain lawns and fence lines. If they fail to do so by the deadline, the landlord can charge them up to $3000 for the work.
Tenants Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Damages
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that tenants must pay rent arrears and damages for leaving a property in poor condition, failing to clean it properly or remove rubbish as required by law at the end of their tenancy. The tribunal found them liable for cleaning costs and damage beyond fair wear and tear.
Tenant’s Abandoned Property Can Be Disposed Of By Landlord, Says Tenancy Tribunal
The Tenancy Tribunal allowed a landlord to dispose of items left behind by a tenant after giving them time to collect their belongings. The decision was based on the value of the goods being too low for return or storage, and follows provisions in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent and Water Rates Arrears After Non-Compliance
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ordered the tenant to pay rent and water rates arrears after they failed to leave the property clean and tidy as required by law. The landlord received partial compensation for their losses.
Tenant’s Tenancy Terminated Due to Threats and Anti-Social Behaviour
The Tenancy Tribunal ended a tenant's lease because they made serious threats of violence and engaged in anti-social behaviour. The decision was based on the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.
Tenant Wins Compensation for Loss of Amenities
A tenant won compensation for loss of amenity and received work orders from the Tenancy Tribunal after the landlord did not properly maintain the property, failing to meet Healthy Homes Standards.
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Rubbish Removal Costs
In this case, a landlord successfully claimed rent arrears and costs for rubbish left at the property from the tenant who did not attend the hearing. The Tenancy Tribunal ruled in favour of the landlord.
Landlord's Compensation Claim Rejected in Tenancy Dispute
A landlord's request for compensation from a tenant for property damage was denied because there wasn't enough proof that the damage happened while the tenant lived there or that they were responsible. The Tenancy Tribunal ruled in favour of the tenant based on the evidence presented at the hearing.
Tenant’s Tenancy Terminated Due to Partner’s Disruptive Behaviour
A landlord successfully ended a lease because the tenant’s partner repeatedly disrupted their neighbors with loud arguments and dangerous behavior. This decision was based on the Residential Tenancies Act, which allows landlords to terminate tenancies for breaches that are serious or repetitive.
Tenant's Tenancy Terminated for Rent Arrears
The Tenancy Tribunal at Kaikohe terminated a tenancy because the tenant stopped paying rent for over 21 days and methamphetamine testing was positive on the premises. The landlord received possession of the property immediately and the tenant had to pay $5,454.64.
Tenancy Tribunal Orders Tenant to Pay Rent Arrears and Damages
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that a tenant must pay rent arrears, cleaning costs, and compensation for property damage beyond fair wear and tear. The claimant successfully recovered $1,838.13 from the tenant after proving the amount of rent owing and the extent of damages.
Tenants Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Current Rent
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that tenants must pay their landlord for unpaid rent and the current month's rent or face eviction. The decision includes a conditional termination order if payments are missed.
Tenancy Tribunal Dismisses Landlord’s Application Due to Non-Compliance
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal dismissed the landlord’s application because they did not follow the court’s instructions or show up at the scheduled hearing. This highlights the importance of adhering to court procedures in tenancy disputes.
Tenant Ordered to Pay Landlord $2,627 in Rent Arrears and Damage Costs
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ordered the tenant to pay the landlord $2,627 for rent arrears and repairs to a broken window that occurred during their tenancy. The tenant did not attend the hearing, and the claimant provided evidence of non-payment and property damage.
Tenancy Terminated Due to Rent Arrears
The Tenancy Tribunal ended a tenant's lease because they were behind on rent by more than 21 days. The tribunal granted possession to the landlord and ordered the tenant to pay overdue rent and fees.
Tenancy Tribunal Reduces Rent Increase After Fair Market Assessment
In a case before the Tenancy Tribunal, the judge decided that the landlord's rent increase from $720 to $820 per week was not justified as it exceeded fair market value. The tenant won the case, with the rent being reduced back to $720.
Tenant's Tenancy Terminated for Abandonment and Arrears
The Tenancy Tribunal terminated a tenant's tenancy due to abandonment of the premises and rent arrears. The landlord applied for termination under section 91AA of the Residential Tenancies Act, which allows expedited proceedings when the tenant does not contest the application and sufficient information is provided.
Tenancy Tribunal Ends Lease for Unpaid Rent
The Tenancy Tribunal ended a lease and ordered tenants to pay $7,425.00 in unpaid rent after determining that at least 21 days of rent were overdue when the landlord filed for termination under New Zealand's Residential Tenancies Act.
Tenancy Tribunal Rules Accommodation Falls Under RTA
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal at Invercargill determined that a property used for both commercial and residential purposes is primarily residential. This means it falls under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), providing tenants with more security and rights.