Published tribunal order
Tenancy Tribunal case 5084808 — Rent arrears
Decided 7 Jan 2025 · Published 7 Jan 2025 · Application 5084808
- Rent arrears
Party names are redacted in the official published order.
Order
- An application for suppression has been made in this case, and the Tribunal orders suppression of the Tenant’s and Landlord’s name and identifying details.
- The term of the fixed-term tenancy of [The tenant/s] at [Tenancy address suppressed] is reduced and now ended on 6 December 2024.
- [The tenant/s] must pay [The landlord/s] $2,480.00 immediately which is to be paid by the release of the bond to the landlord.
Reasons
- Both parties attended the hearing.
- The tenant has applied for reduction of the fixed-term tenancy due to end on 26 September 2025.
- The Tribunal may reduce a fixed term tenancy where: a. there has been an unforeseen change in the applicant’s circumstances; and b. there would be severe hardship to the applicant if the term is not reduced; and c. the applicant’s hardship would be greater than the hardship to the other party if the term is reduced. See section 66(1) Residential Tenancies Act 1986.
- The tenant moved from Hamilton for work but has suffered from mental health issues and, on 20 November 2024, needed to move back to her hometown, leaving her job. She discussed the issue with the landlord’s agent on 4 November 2024. The parties agree that she would suffer severe financial hardship if the term of the tenancy were not reduced.
- The landlord has agreed to end the tenancy from 6 December 2024, and the bond will pay the rent arrears to that date.
- Where the Tribunal reduces a fixed-term tenancy, it may order the tenant to pay the landlord reasonable compensation for any resulting loss. See section 66(2) Residential Tenancies Act 1986.
- I award compensation of $2480, taking into account the parties’ agreement.