Tenants Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Cleaning Costs
📌 In brief
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.
⚖️ Legal holding
A tenant is required to leave the premises reasonably clean, remove all rubbish, and replace worn-out smoke alarm batteries during the tenancy.
📖 What the law says
This section states that a tenant must pay rent on time, keep the property reasonably clean and tidy, and notify the landlord of any damage or needed repairs. When moving out, the tenant must leave the premises reasonably clean and tidy and remove all rubbish.
Plain-English explanation — does not replace advice from a lawyer.
📖 Technical summary
The Tenancy Tribunal ordered tenants to pay rent arrears and compensate for cleaning and rubbish removal from their bond.
📜 Headnote Official document
The Tenancy Tribunal ordered the tenants to pay rent arrears, cleaning costs, and rubbish removal expenses from their bond. The tenant's application for a bond refund was dismissed due to non-attendance.
📚 Full judgment Official document
OUTCOME: Allowed
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[2026] NZTT 5480550, 5427028
TENANCY TRIBUNAL AT REMOTE LOCATION | TE TARAIPIUNARA RETIHANGA
APPLICANT: [redacted]
Landlord
RESPONDENT: [redacted]
Tenant
TENANCY ADDRESS: [ADDRESS], [POSTCODE]
ORDER
1. [RESPONDENT] and [RESPONDENT] to pay [COMPANY] [NAME] [COUNSEL] $1,032.84 from the bond, calculated as shown in table below.
2. The [COMPANY] is to pay the bond of $1,032.84 (BN-00130363) to [COMPANY] [NAME] [COUNSEL] immediately. The [COMPANY] is to pay the bond of $947.16 (BN-00130363) to [RESPONDENT] and [RESPONDENT] immediately.
Description Landlord Tenant Rent arrears as at 23 November 2025 $212.14 Cleaning $392.70 Rubbish removal and lawns $400.00 Filing fee reimbursement $28.00 Total award $1,032.84 Bond $1,032.84 $947.16
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Reasons:
1. This case commenced before me on the 7 May 2026 and was adjourned todays date so that the tenant could see the photo evidence relied upon.
2. Both parties filed applications, the tenant sought to have her bond refunded.
3. At the commencement of today’s hearing at 930 am two attempts were made to contact the tenant however she failed to make herself available for the hearing and the hearing commenced in her absence. The last call was 5 minutes after the start time.
4. The landlord has applied for rent arrears, compensation, refund of the bond, and reimbursement of the filing fee following the end of the tenancy.
5. The tenant’s application is therefore dismissed given that she was not available at the commencement of the hearing.
6. Mr [RESPONDENT] did not part take in the first hearing. I am advised that whilst his name remains on the tenancy he moved out previously.
7. I shall now deal with the application filed by the property manager.
How much is owed for rent
8. The tenancy ended on 23 November 2025. The landlord provided rent records which prove the amount owing at the end of the tenancy.
Did the tenant comply with their obligations at the end of the tenancy?
9. At the end of the tenancy the tenant must leave the premises reasonably clean and tidy, remove all rubbish, return all keys and security devices, and leave all chattels provided for their benefit. See section 40(1)(e)(ii)-(v) Residential Tenancies Act 1986. The tenant is required to replace worn out smoke alarm batteries during the tenancy. See section 40(1)(ca) Residential Tenancies Act 1986. The tenant must also replace standard light bulbs.
10. The tenant did not leave the premises reasonably clean and tidy, and did not remove all rubbish. The landlord is not required to advise the tenanct what else needs to be done and wait for the collection of items. The property should be left at the end of the tenancy giving the landlord the opportunity to re let the property and not wait until cleaning is carried out.
11. Having considered the evidence I am satisfied that the amounts sought are proven.
12. The amount is to be paid from the bond and the balance transferred to the tenant.
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13. [COMPANY] [NAME] [COUNSEL] has substantially succeeded with the claim I have reimbursed the filing fee.
[NAME] [NAME]
29 May 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 Tenant's Failure to Return Constitutes Abandonment
- Tenancy Tribunal Tenancy Tribunal Rules: Tenant Must Clean Premises Before Leaving
- Tenancy Tribunal Tenancy Tribunal Orders Tenant to Pay Rent Arrears and Damages
- Tenancy Tribunal Tenancy Terminated Due to Rent Arrears
- Tenancy Tribunal Tenant's Tenancy Terminated Due to Rent Arrears
- Tenancy Tribunal Tenancy Tribunal Orders Tenant to Pay $1,692 for Rent Arrears and Damages
- Tenancy Tribunal Tenant Must Pay Rent Arrears or Face Eviction
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 rent arrears to avoid termination.
- Tenant leaves premises clean and removes all rubbish upon departure.
- Tenant replaces smoke alarm batteries during tenancy.
- Landlord provides robust documentary evidence for claims.
- Dispute over bond refund is not within Tenancy Tribunal's jurisdiction.
Patterns observed in similar cases in this collection — every case is unique.
❓ Frequently asked questions
What did this decision decide?
The Tenancy Tribunal ordered the tenants to pay rent arrears, cleaning costs, and rubbish removal expenses from their bond.
Who was involved?
A landlord and two tenants were involved in this case.
How did the court decide, and why?
The court decided based on evidence that the tenants failed to comply with their obligations at the end of the tenancy.
Which laws or rules were applied?
Sections 40(1)(e)(ii)-(v) and 40(1)(ca) of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 were applied.
What was the argument that mattered most?
The tenants' failure to leave the premises reasonably clean, remove all rubbish, and replace worn-out smoke alarm batteries during their tenancy.
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?
Tenants must ensure they leave the property clean and tidy, remove all rubbish, and replace worn-out smoke alarm batteries to avoid such costs.
What evidence or documents mattered?
Rent records and photo evidence were important in proving the amount owing at the end of the tenancy.
Can a decision like this be appealed?
Yes, parties can apply for a rehearing or appeal within specified timeframes if they believe there was a substantial wrong or 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.