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.
Tribunal Terminates Tenancy Due to $7,448 in Rent Arrears in Auckland
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 $2,022.80 for rent arrears and damages in Palmerston North
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.
Tribunal Terminates Tenant's Tenancy in Christchurch Due to Abandonment and Unpaid Rent
The Tenancy Tribunal terminated a tenant's tenancy after they abandoned their rental property due to health issues and did not respond to the landlord’s inquiries. The tribunal granted possession to the landlord because rent was in arrears, meeting the criteria for abandonment under New Zealand law.
Tribunal Ends Tenancy Over Abandonment and Rent Arrears in Auckland
The Tenancy Tribunal ended a lease because the tenants left without telling the landlord and didn't pay their rent. This decision followed rules in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.
Expedited Abandonment Process Denied by Tenancy Tribunal
Tenant Obligations Upheld Against Landlord's Claim for Ready Lawn Costs
Tribunal awards $500 for overpaid water rates and minor damages in Auckland
In this tenancy dispute, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the tenant is entitled to a refund for overpaid water rates fixed costs. The tribunal also agreed with the landlord's claim for minor repairs but dismissed other claims due to insufficient evidence and lack of start-of-tenancy photographs.
Tribunal Rejects Landlord’s Expedited Abandonment Application Due to Lack of Evidence
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal denied a landlord's request to terminate a tenancy through an expedited process because there wasn't enough evidence provided. This highlights that landlords must submit strong documentation to support such applications under New Zealand law.
Tribunal Terminates Tenancy Due to Abandonment and Rent Arrears Since May 6, 2026
A tenant's tenancy was ended by the Tenancy Tribunal because they abandoned their home without paying rent. This decision followed a special fast-track procedure allowed when tenants leave and don't intend to return or meet their obligations.
Tribunal Rejects Landlord's Expedited Abandonment Application Due to Insufficient Evidence
Tribunal Rejects Landlord’s Expedited Abandonment Application in Auckland
A landlord's request to terminate a tenant's lease quickly due to suspected abandonment was denied because it appeared the tenant had simply moved out with proper notice and left keys behind, not abandoning the property without reason. A full court hearing is now scheduled.
Tribunal Partially Allows Landlord's Claim for Rent Arrears in Auckland
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal decided that a tenant is not responsible for covering the cost of installing ready lawn if it exceeds the standard agreed upon in their rental agreement. While the landlord was successful in recovering rent arrears, they were unable to recover costs associated with replacing grass.
Tribunal Rejects Landlord's Expedited Abandonment Application Due to Lack of Evidence
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal rejected the landlord’s request to terminate the tenancy through an expedited process because they did not provide enough proof that the tenant had abandoned the property. The decision emphasises the need for strong documentary evidence when seeking such termination under the Residential Tenancies Act.
Tribunal Awards £2,414.50 in Rent Arrears and Listing Fee for Rural Property in Northland
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal found that the tenants were responsible for paying rent arrears and a cost incurred by the landlord to advertise the property on a person. However, they did not have to pay for cleaning costs at the end of their tenancy.
Tribunal Rejects Claims for Cleaning and Damages in Tenancy Dispute
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal dismissed all claims made by both landlords and tenants regarding compensation and exemplary damages. The tribunal also ordered the tenants to reimburse the landlord's filing fee due to lack of sufficient evidence supporting their claims.
Tenant wins £23,380.15 compensation for landlord's failure to maintain property in Auckland
A tenant successfully sued their landlord at the Tenancy Tribunal for failing to keep the a person in good condition over many years. The court ordered the landlord to pay significant damages.
Tribunal Grants Possession Order to New Owner Over Squatters in Hamilton
The claimant successfully obtained possession of a property from squatters in Waitoa, New Zealand. After purchasing the property at auction and serving notice, the Tenancy Tribunal ordered the previous owners to vacate immediately under section 65 of the Residential Tenancies Act.
Tribunal awards $1,032.84 from bond for rent arrears and cleaning fees
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled that tenants must pay rent arrears and compensate for cleaning and rubbish removal from their bond. The decision was made because the tenants did not comply with their obligations at the end of the tenancy.
Tribunal Orders Tenant to Pay $1,924.09 for Damages and Arrears in Auckland
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled in favour of a landlord who sought rent arrears and damages from a tenant. The tenant was ordered to pay $1,924 for unpaid rent, pest control costs, and property repairs due to damage caused during the tenancy.
Tenant ordered to pay $2,189.75 for damages and arrears in Auckland
A tenant was ordered by the Tenancy Tribunal to pay rent arrears and damages for leaving the rental unit in poor condition. The decision is based on photographic evidence showing excessive rubbish and overgrown grass, along with proof of unpaid rent.
