Tenant Ordered to Pay Landlord $839.79 for Rent Arrears and Costs
📌 In brief
In this case, the Tenancy Tribunal ordered the tenant to pay the landlord for outstanding rent and additional expenses like cleaning fees. The decision was made based on the agreement between the parties during the hearing.
⚖️ Legal holding
A tenant is required to pay a landlord for rent arrears, cleaning fees, and other damages as agreed upon in the tenancy agreement.
📖 Technical summary
The claimant successfully recovered rent arrears and other costs from the respondent.
📜 Headnote Official document
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the tenant must pay the landlord $839.79, calculated as rent arrears plus other costs such as cleaning and rubbish removal, after both parties agreed to a money order by consent.
📚 Full judgment Official document
OUTCOME: Allowed
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[2026] NZTT 5496872
TENANCY TRIBUNAL AT REMOTE LOCATION | TE TARAIPIUNARA RETIHANGA
APPLICANT: [redacted]
Landlord
RESPONDENT: [redacted]
Tenant
TENANCY ADDRESS: Unit/[ADDRESS], [ADDRESS], [POSTCODE]
ORDER
1. [RESPONDENT] must pay [APPELLANT] $839.79 immediately, calculated as shown in table below:
Description Landlord Tenant Rent arrears to 22 May 2026 $2,011.43 Cleaning $330.00 Rubbish removal $75.00 Dump fees $75.36 Rug cleaning $80.00 Filing fee reimbursement $28.00 Total award $2,599.79 Bond $1,760.00 Total payable by Tenant to Landlord $839.79
2. The [COMPANY] is to pay the bond of $1,760.00 (number not available) to [APPELLANT] immediately.
Reasons:
1. Both parties attended the hearing which I conducted by video/phone.
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2. The tenancy ended on 22 May 2026. Termination and possession orders are no longer sought.
3. The landlord has applied for rent arrears, compensation, refund of the bond, and reimbursement of the filing fee following the end of the tenancy.
4. The tenant accepted all the landlord’s claims. I have made a money order by consent.
5. As the application is successful, the tenant must pay the landlord’s Tribunal filing fee.
6. The landlord had an additional claim that the tenant did not accept – the replacement of a Wi-Fi modem. That was not included in the application. If the parties cannot agree on that the landlord can make a new application for the replacement cost.
7. I have made a bond order on the basis of the landlord’s advice that the bond is with the [COMPANY]. I have been unable to locate the bond number. The landlord might need to contact the [COMPANY] to provide the necessary details.
8. When asked, neither party sought an order for name suppression.
[NAME]
04 June 2026
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Please read carefully: Visit justice.govt.nz/tribunals/tenancy/rehearings-appeals for more information on rehearings and appeals.
Rehearings You can apply for a rehearing if you believe that a substantial wrong or miscarriage of justice has happened. For example: • you did not get the letter telling you the date of the hearing, or • the adjudicator improperly admitted or rejected evidence, or • new evidence, relating to the original application, has become available.
You must give reasons and evidence to support your application for a rehearing. A rehearing will not be granted just because you disagree with the decision. You must apply within five working days of the decision using the Application for Rehearing form: justice.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Forms/TT-Application-for-rehearing.pdf
Right of Appeal Both the landlord and the tenant can file an appeal. You should file your appeal at the District Court where the original hearing took place. The cost for an appeal is $260. You must apply within 10 working days after the decision is issued using this Appeal to the District Court form: justice.govt.nz/tribunals/tenancy/rehearings-appeals
Grounds for an appeal You can appeal if you think the decision was wrong, but not because you don’t like the decision. For some cases, there’ll be no right to appeal. For example, you can’t appeal: • against an interim order • a final order, or the failure to make an order, where the amount in dispute on appeal is
less than $1000 • a final order to undertake work, or the failure to make an order, where the value of the
work in dispute on appeal is less than $1000.
Enforcement Where the Tribunal made an order about money or property this is called a civil debt. The Ministry of Justice Collections Team can assist with enforcing civil debt. You can contact the collections team on [PHONE] or go to justice.govt.nz/fines/civil-debt for forms and information.
Notice to a party ordered to pay money or vacate premises, etc. Failure to comply with any order may result in substantial additional costs for enforcement. It may also involve being ordered to appear in the District Court for an examination of your means or seizure of your property.
If you require further help or information regarding this matter, visit tenancy.govt.nz/disputes/enforcing- decisions or phone Tenancy Services on [PHONE].
Mēna ka hiahia koe ki ētahi atu awhina, kōrero ranei mo tēnei take, haere ki tenei ipurangi tenancy.govt.nz/disputes/enforcing-decisions, waea atu ki Ratonga Takirua ma runga [PHONE] ranei.
https://www.justice.govt.nz/tribunals/tenancy/rehearings-appeals https://www.justice.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Forms/TT-Application-for-rehearing.pdf https://www.justice.govt.nz/tribunals/tenancy/rehearings-appeals/ https://www.justice.govt.nz/fines/about-civil-debt/ https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/disputes/enforcing-decisions https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/disputes/enforcing-decisions http://www.tenancy.govt.nz/disputes/enforcing-decisions/
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A manaomia nisi faamatalaga poo se fesoasoani, e uiga i lau mataupu, asiasi ifo le matou aupega tafailagi: tenancy.govt.nz/disputes/enforcing-decisions, pe fesootai mai le Tenancy Services i le numera [PHONE].
Reasons:
📊 How courts decide similar cases
Among 12 similar decisions in this collection:
- Tenancy Tribunal Tenancy Terminated Due to Rent Arrears
- Tenancy Tribunal Tenant Successfully Claims Bond Refund from Landlord
- Tenancy Tribunal Tenant Ordered to Repay Rent Arrears to Avoid Eviction
- Tenancy Tribunal Tenant Must Pay Rent Arrears or Face Immediate Termination
- Tenancy Tribunal Tenants Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Return Bond
- Tenancy Tribunal Tenancy Tribunal Orders Tenant to Pay Compensation for End-of-Lease Obligat…
- Tenancy Tribunal Tenant's Abandonment and Rent Arrears Lead to Termination
- Tenancy Tribunal Tenant Must Allow Landlord Access for Inspection
- Tenancy Tribunal Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Repair Costs
A snapshot of this collection — not a prediction of your case's outcome.
⚖️ What tends to weigh in cases like this
✅ Tends to be accepted
- Tenant pays outstanding rent and fees as agreed.
- No disputes over damages or other issues exist.
- Proper notice is given for landlord entry, and tenant does not unreasonably refuse it.
- Tenancy agreement terms are strictly followed regarding bond refunds and property condition upon termination.
- Rent arrears do not exceed 21 days at the time of application.
Patterns observed in similar cases in this collection — every case is unique.
❓ Frequently asked questions
What did this decision decide?
The tenant must pay the landlord $839.79, which includes rent arrears and other costs.
Who was involved?
A landlord and a tenant were involved in the dispute over unpaid rent and damages.
How did the court decide, and why?
The decision was made by consent between both parties during the hearing.
Which laws or rules were applied?
No specific laws were cited in this case.
What was the argument that mattered most?
Both parties agreed to a money order, resolving the dispute amicably.
Was the decision for or against the person who brought the case?
The decision was in favour of the landlord.
What does this mean for someone in a similar situation?
If both parties agree on the terms, they can resolve disputes through consent orders at the Tenancy Tribunal.
What evidence or documents mattered?
No specific evidence is mentioned; the decision was based on mutual agreement.
Can a decision like this be appealed?
Yes, either party may appeal within 10 working days if they believe there has been a miscarriage of justice.
Is it worth getting a lawyer for a case like this?
It is advisable to seek legal advice from a qualified lawyer for specific guidance on your situation.