End of Tenancy obligations can become costly when rubbish and damage are left behind. This landmark Tribunal case shows how unpaid charges, unreturned keys, and poor cleaning lead to bond loss. Learn the practical lessons tenants and property managers cannot afford to ignore.

This case examines how the Tribunal granted immediate termination of a residential tenancy after clear evidence of abandonment was established. It outlines the indicators relied on, including non-communication, rent arrears, and the condition of the property. The decision highlights why prompt documentation and formal action are essential when a tenancy is left vacant.

Unlawful entry during renovation led to compensation and exemplary damages in this Tribunal decision. The case shows how access breaches and loss of enjoyment can outweigh legitimate repair work. It highlights why access rules and Healthy Homes duties must be followed from day one.

This Tenancy Tribunal Kainga Ora dog removal order shows how keeping a pet without consent can lead to enforced removal. The Tribunal relied on a written pet policy and the tenant’s lack of response. It highlights how silence and missing evidence can decide outcomes.

Who pays water rates, tenant or landlord is a common question in Auckland. Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, tenants can be required to pay for water consumption only if the property is separately metered. Landlords must pay all fixed water charges and council rates. Clear agreements prevent disputes and keep tenancies running smoothly.

This case study explores an end of tenancy cleaning dispute in Kakahi, where the Tribunal balanced landlord claims for cleaning, rubbish, and damage with a tenant’s compensation claim for delayed repairs.

In May 2025, the NZ Tenancy Tribunal ruled against landlords Warwick and Judith Stephens for unlawfully attempting to evict tenants after a plumbing issue required repairs. The landlords’ termination and trespass notices were invalid, and the tenants were awarded $2,027 for harassment and loss of quiet enjoyment.

The Tribunal set aside a controversial postal vote by a body corporate to remove trees, ordered a new EGM, and awarded the owner $500 in filing-fee reimbursement, emphasizing the importance of fair voting procedures under the Unit Titles Act.