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.
Conditional Termination Order for Rent Arrears
Tenancy Tribunal Rules Accommodation in Commercial Lease Falls Under RTA
Tenancy Terminated for Abandonment and Rent Arrears - Tenancy Tribunal Decision
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 Rejects Tenant’s Damage Claims
A tenant sought compensation and damages from a landlord over issues with repairs and health and safety concerns but failed to provide enough proof of breach by the landlord. As a result, the Tenancy Tribunal dismissed the application.
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.
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Filing Fees in Tenancy Dispute
In this Tenancy Tribunal case, the tenant was ordered to pay rent arrears and a filing fee after failing to attend the hearing. The bond amount was also returned to the landlord. This ruling highlights the importance of addressing rent payments on time and attending scheduled hearings.
Tenancy Terminated Due to Rent Arrears
A tenant's lease was ended by the Tenancy Tribunal because they hadn't paid their rent for over 21 days. The tribunal ordered the tenant to leave the property and pay back the missed rent plus a filing fee.
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.
Landlord’s Claims Dismissed; Tenant Receives Bond Refund
In this tenancy dispute, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled in favour of the tenant, dismissing the landlord’s claims for damages and ordering the full refund of the tenant's bond. The decision was based on the lack of sufficient evidence presented by the landlord to support their claims.
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.
Tenants Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Damages
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that tenants must pay rent arrears, bond deductions, and repair costs for leaving the property in a state of disrepair and causing intentional damage during their tenancy. This decision highlights the tenant's responsibility to maintain the premises and leave it clean and tidy.
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Damages Beyond Fair Wear and Tear
Tenancy Terminated Due to Rent Arrears Exceeding 21 Days
Tenant Ordered to Pay Damages After Illegal Cannabis Grow
A tenant was ordered by the Tenancy Tribunal to compensate their landlord after setting up an illegal cannabis growing operation in their rented home. The tribunal awarded both repair costs and a penalty for using the premises unlawfully.
Tenant’s Rent Arrears Limited Due to Incarceration and Landlord’s Delay
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that a tenant's rent arrears are limited due to their incarceration and the landlord’s delay in recovering possession of the property. The decision highlights the importance of landlords taking reasonable steps to mitigate losses when tenants cannot return possession.
Tenants Awarded Compensation for Construction Work Interference
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled in favour of the tenants who claimed compensation due to extensive construction work during their tenancy that significantly impacted their living conditions. The tribunal awarded them $4,675 for interference with quiet enjoyment and ordered the landlords to pay rent arrears.
Tenant’s Tenancy Terminated for Abandonment and Rent Arrears
The Tenancy Tribunal ended the tenant's lease because they left without paying rent or giving proper notice. This case shows that tenants must pay their rent and follow tenancy rules to avoid losing their home.
Tenants Ordered to Pay Water Rates in Tenancy Dispute
In this Tenancy Tribunal case, the landlord successfully claimed that the tenants owe $5,622.91 for water rates based on a fair division of costs between units sharing a meter. The tenants were absent from the hearing and missed their chance to contest the claim.
Tenancy Tribunal Rejects Tenant’s Compensation Claim
A tenant applied to the Tenancy Tribunal for compensation due to unexpected renovation works but was denied because their tenancy agreement was only for three months. The decision emphasised the importance of written agreements in establishing expectations and obligations between tenants and landlords.