What was Tenancy Tribunal case 5233220 about?

The tribunal order states: An application for suppression has been made in this case, and the Tribunal

How much money was awarded in case 5233220?

Cleaning: $241.50 awarded to landlord; Curtains: $46.61 awarded to landlord; Filing Fee: $27.00 awarded to landlord; Back Door: $318.40 awarded to landlord; Vanity: $149.50 awarded to landlord; Rubbish Removal: $186.43 awarded to landlord; Water Rates: $135.33 awarded to landlord

What type of tenancy dispute was case 5233220?

The primary dispute was Property damage. Related themes: Cleanliness.

Where can I read the official tribunal order for case 5233220?

The official Ministry of Justice published order is available at https://forms.justice.govt.nz/search/Documents/TTV2/PDF/12084894-Tribunal_Order_Redacted.pdf.

What was Tenancy Tribunal case 5233220 about?

The tribunal order states: An application for suppression has been made in this case, and the Tribunal

How much money was awarded in case 5233220?

Cleaning: $241.50 awarded to landlord; Curtains: $46.61 awarded to landlord; Filing Fee: $27.00 awarded to landlord; Back Door: $318.40 awarded to landlord; Vanity: $149.50 awarded to landlord; Rubbish Removal: $186.43 awarded to landlord; Water Rates: $135.33 awarded to landlord

What type of tenancy dispute was case 5233220?

The primary dispute was Property damage. Related themes: Cleanliness.

Where can I read the official tribunal order for case 5233220?

The official Ministry of Justice published order is available at https://forms.justice.govt.nz/search/Documents/TTV2/PDF/12084894-Tribunal_Order_Redacted.pdf.

New Zealand Tenancy Tribunal Case 5233220 — Property damage

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New Zealand Tenancy Tribunal Case 5233220 — Property damage | TenantCheck

Claims & awards

What this tenancy cost at tribunal — claim, category, amount, and party awarded, with reconciled net total.

Claims and awards in Tenancy Tribunal application 5233220 — net $1,104.77 NZD. Amounts reconciled from the published order (claims sum and net total). Verify on MoJ.
Claim	Landlord	Reason
Water rates to end of tenancy	$135.33	Water rates to end of tenancy
Rubbish removal	$186.43	9. The tenant agrees to the amounts sought and is ordered to pay $186.43 for rubbish removal and $241.50 for carpet cleaning according to the invoices provided.
Carpet Cleaning	$241.50	ees to the amounts sought and is ordered to pay $186.43 for rubbish removal and $241.50 for carpet cleaning according to the invoices provided. Is the tenant r…
Repairs: Vanity	$149.50	Repairs: Vanity
Repairs: Back door	$318.40	ve approach and I discount the amount by 20 percent and order the tenant to pay $318.40 towards the repair.
Curtains	$46.61	have depreciated the amount sought by five eighths and order the tenant to pay $46.61 towards the replacement.
Filing fee reimbursement	$27.00	Filing fee reimbursement
Net award	$1,104.77
Total payable by Tenant to Landlord	$1,104.77

Claims and awards for application 5233220 — net $1,104.77 NZD. Verify on MoJ.

Water rates to end of tenancy

Amount: $135.33
Awarded to: Landlord
Reason: Water rates to end of tenancy

Rubbish removal

Amount: $186.43
Awarded to: Landlord
Reason: 9. The tenant agrees to the amounts sought and is ordered to pay $186.43 for rubbish removal and $241.50 for carpet cleaning according to the invoices provided.

Carpet Cleaning

Amount: $241.50
Awarded to: Landlord
Reason: ees to the amounts sought and is ordered to pay $186.43 for rubbish removal and $241.50 for carpet cleaning according to the invoices provided. Is the tenant r…

Repairs: Vanity

Amount: $149.50
Awarded to: Landlord
Reason: Repairs: Vanity

Repairs: Back door

Amount: $318.40
Awarded to

Claim types — money lines allowed on this order

Carpet Cleaning Filing Fee Property damage Rubbish Removal Water Rates

Order

An application for suppression has been made in this case, and the Tribunal orders suppression of the parties’ names and identifying details.
The application for rent arrears is withdrawn by the applicant.
[The tenant/s] must pay [The landlord/s] $1,104.77 immediately, calculated as shown in table below. DescriptionLandlord Water rates to end of tenancy$135.33 Rubbish removal$186.43 Carpet Cleaning$241.50 Repairs: Vanity$149.50 Repairs: Back door$318.40 Curtains$46.61 Filing fee reimbursement$27.00 Total award$1,104.77 Total payable by Tenant to Landlord$1,104.77
The tenant must pay the debt in order 3 at the rate of $100.00 per fortnight.
The first payment must be made on Wednesday 23 July 2025 and payments must continue every fortnight on Wednesday until the debt is paid in full.
If the tenant fails to make any payment within 2 working days of the due date, the balance of the debt owing will be payable immediately and can be enforced through the District Court.

Reasons

Both parties attended the hearing on 7 July 2025.
The landlord has applied for rent arrears, compensation, and reimbursement of the filing fee following the end of the tenancy.
The tenancy began in June 2020 and ended on 7 March 2025.
The parties advised that the bond has already been refunded to reduce the rent arrears.
The landlord advised today that the tenants have made payments since the tenancy ended and no further rent is owed. This claim is withdrawn.

How much is owed for water rates?

The landlord provided water rates invoices which prove the amount owing at the end of the tenancy and confirmed that no fixed charges were claimed. The tenant agreed with the amount of $135.33 claimed and this amount is ordered by consent.

Did the tenant comply with their obligations at the end of the tenancy?

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.
The tenant did not leave the carpet reasonably clean and tidy and did not remove all rubbish.
The tenant agrees to the amounts sought and is ordered to pay $186.43 for rubbish removal and $241.50 for carpet cleaning according to the invoices provided.

Is the tenant responsible for the damage to the premises?

A landlord must prove that damage to the premises occurred during the tenancy and is more than fair wear and tear. If this is established, to avoid liability, the tenant must prove they did not carelessly or intentionally cause or permit the damage. Tenants are liable for the actions of people at the premises with their permission. See sections 40(2)(a), 41 and 49B RTA.
Where the damage is caused carelessly, and is covered by the landlord's insurance, the tenant's liability is limited to the lesser of the insurance excess or four weeks' rent (or four weeks' market rent in the case of a tenant paying income-related rent). See section 49B(3)(a) RTA.
Where the damage is careless and is not covered by the landlord's insurance, the tenant's liability is limited to four weeks' rent (or market rent). See section 49B(3)(b) RTA. Where insurance money is irrecoverable because of the tenant's conduct, the property is treated as if it is not insured against the damage. See section 49B(3A)(a) RTA.
The landlord claimed the following damage was caused during the tenancy:
Damage to vanity - $299 for replacement (a) The landlord claimed that the vanity was cracked during the tenancy and could not be repaired so required replacement. Exit photographs were provided. The landlord provided a receipt for the replacement vanity in the sum of $299.00. The landlord did not know the age of the vanity but referred to entry photographs which showed that the crack was not present. (b)The tenant agreed that the vanity had cracked during the tenancy. She stated that a mirror in the bathroom which was provided by the landlord fell due to a chain holding it breaking and it cracked the vanity. The tenant advised that she did not notify the landlord when this happened. (c)Having considered the evidence I am satisfied that the damage occurred during the tenancy. Although I accept the damage was caused by the falling mirror the tenant’s failure to notify did not allow the landlord the opportunity to investigate and repair to prevent further damage once the crack appeared. I find that both parties have some liability for the repair and therefore order the tenant to pay half of the cost of the replacement in the sum of $149.50.
Damage to carpet - $632.50 for patch repairs (a)The landlord claimed that the tenant damaged the carpet as there were patches that were thread bare in the lounge and in the join between the bedroom and hallway. Entry and exit photographs were provided. The landlord could not advise the age of the carpet. (b)The tenant stated that there had been a major flood in the premises due a water leak and that the landlord had arranged for contractors to lift the carpets to dry them. The tenant stated that when the carpet was relaid it was not fully dry and was not fixed securely and the carpet began to wear afterwards. The landlord accepted that there had been a flood at the premises and that the wearing began to show after this. (c)Having considered the evidence including the unknown age of the carpet and the flood damage during the tenancy I find that the landlord has failed to prove on the balance of probabilities that the damage is beyond fair wear and tear.
Damage to screen door - $398 quote to replace (a)The landlord claimed that the metal screen door lock was bent and damaged during the tenancy. Entry and exit inspection photographs were provided. The landlord provided a quote for replacement in the sum of $398.00. (b)The tenant accepted that this damage was caused during the tenancy and accepted liability for the cost of replacement. As only a quote has been provided and the actual cost is not available the Tribunal takes a conservative approach and I discount the amount by 20 percent and order the tenant to pay $318.40 towards the repair.
Damage to curtains - $124.30 to replace (a)The landlord stated that the curtains were found folded at the end of the tenancy and they were stuck together which damaged the thermal backing. The landlord sought the cost of replacement. (b)The tenant agreed that she had folded the curtains. The damage is beyond fair wear and tear. The curtains were at least five years old and have a lifespan of eight years. I have depreciated the amount sought by five eighths and order the tenant to pay $46.61 towards the replacement.
The parties have agreed on a repayment arrangement. The tenant will pay $100.00 per fortnight to reduce the debt commencing on Wednesday 23 July 2025.
Because [The landlord/s] has substantially succeeded with the claim I have reimbursed the filing fee.
The Tribunal may on the application of any party or on its own initiative make a suppression order, having regard to the interests of the parties and to the public interest. Section 95A (4) Residential Tenancies Act 1986. At the hearing the landlord sought suppression of all party identifying details. Having considered the factors in this case including the goodwill and level of agreement between the parties the Tribunal grants suppression as sought.

Claims & awards

What this tenancy cost at tribunal — claim, category, amount, and party awarded, with reconciled net total.

Claims and awards in Tenancy Tribunal application 5233220 — net $1,104.77 NZD. Amounts reconciled from the published order (claims sum and net total). Verify on MoJ.
Claim	Landlord	Reason
Water rates to end of tenancy	$135.33	Water rates to end of tenancy
Rubbish removal	$186.43	9. The tenant agrees to the amounts sought and is ordered to pay $186.43 for rubbish removal and $241.50 for carpet cleaning according to the invoices provided.
Carpet Cleaning	$241.50	ees to the amounts sought and is ordered to pay $186.43 for rubbish removal and $241.50 for carpet cleaning according to the invoices provided. Is the tenant r…
Repairs: Vanity	$149.50	Repairs: Vanity
Repairs: Back door	$318.40	ve approach and I discount the amount by 20 percent and order the tenant to pay $318.40 towards the repair.
Curtains	$46.61	have depreciated the amount sought by five eighths and order the tenant to pay $46.61 towards the replacement.
Filing fee reimbursement	$27.00	Filing fee reimbursement
Net award	$1,104.77
Total payable by Tenant to Landlord	$1,104.77

Claims and awards for application 5233220 — net $1,104.77 NZD. Verify on MoJ.

Water rates to end of tenancy

Amount: $135.33
Awarded to: Landlord
Reason: Water rates to end of tenancy

Rubbish removal

Amount: $186.43
Awarded to: Landlord
Reason: 9. The tenant agrees to the amounts sought and is ordered to pay $186.43 for rubbish removal and $241.50 for carpet cleaning according to the invoices provided.

Carpet Cleaning

Amount: $241.50
Awarded to: Landlord
Reason: ees to the amounts sought and is ordered to pay $186.43 for rubbish removal and $241.50 for carpet cleaning according to the invoices provided. Is the tenant r…

Repairs: Vanity

Amount: $149.50
Awarded to: Landlord
Reason: Repairs: Vanity

Repairs: Back door

Amount: $318.40
Awarded to

Claim types — money lines allowed on this order

Carpet Cleaning Filing Fee Property damage Rubbish Removal Water Rates

Order

An application for suppression has been made in this case, and the Tribunal orders suppression of the parties’ names and identifying details.
The application for rent arrears is withdrawn by the applicant.
[The tenant/s] must pay [The landlord/s] $1,104.77 immediately, calculated as shown in table below. DescriptionLandlord Water rates to end of tenancy$135.33 Rubbish removal$186.43 Carpet Cleaning$241.50 Repairs: Vanity$149.50 Repairs: Back door$318.40 Curtains$46.61 Filing fee reimbursement$27.00 Total award$1,104.77 Total payable by Tenant to Landlord$1,104.77
The tenant must pay the debt in order 3 at the rate of $100.00 per fortnight.
The first payment must be made on Wednesday 23 July 2025 and payments must continue every fortnight on Wednesday until the debt is paid in full.
If the tenant fails to make any payment within 2 working days of the due date, the balance of the debt owing will be payable immediately and can be enforced through the District Court.

Reasons

Both parties attended the hearing on 7 July 2025.
The landlord has applied for rent arrears, compensation, and reimbursement of the filing fee following the end of the tenancy.
The tenancy began in June 2020 and ended on 7 March 2025.
The parties advised that the bond has already been refunded to reduce the rent arrears.
The landlord advised today that the tenants have made payments since the tenancy ended and no further rent is owed. This claim is withdrawn.

How much is owed for water rates?

The landlord provided water rates invoices which prove the amount owing at the end of the tenancy and confirmed that no fixed charges were claimed. The tenant agreed with the amount of $135.33 claimed and this amount is ordered by consent.

Did the tenant comply with their obligations at the end of the tenancy?

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.
The tenant did not leave the carpet reasonably clean and tidy and did not remove all rubbish.
The tenant agrees to the amounts sought and is ordered to pay $186.43 for rubbish removal and $241.50 for carpet cleaning according to the invoices provided.

Is the tenant responsible for the damage to the premises?

A landlord must prove that damage to the premises occurred during the tenancy and is more than fair wear and tear. If this is established, to avoid liability, the tenant must prove they did not carelessly or intentionally cause or permit the damage. Tenants are liable for the actions of people at the premises with their permission. See sections 40(2)(a), 41 and 49B RTA.
Where the damage is caused carelessly, and is covered by the landlord's insurance, the tenant's liability is limited to the lesser of the insurance excess or four weeks' rent (or four weeks' market rent in the case of a tenant paying income-related rent). See section 49B(3)(a) RTA.
Where the damage is careless and is not covered by the landlord's insurance, the tenant's liability is limited to four weeks' rent (or market rent). See section 49B(3)(b) RTA. Where insurance money is irrecoverable because of the tenant's conduct, the property is treated as if it is not insured against the damage. See section 49B(3A)(a) RTA.
The landlord claimed the following damage was caused during the tenancy:
Damage to vanity - $299 for replacement (a) The landlord claimed that the vanity was cracked during the tenancy and could not be repaired so required replacement. Exit photographs were provided. The landlord provided a receipt for the replacement vanity in the sum of $299.00. The landlord did not know the age of the vanity but referred to entry photographs which showed that the crack was not present. (b)The tenant agreed that the vanity had cracked during the tenancy. She stated that a mirror in the bathroom which was provided by the landlord fell due to a chain holding it breaking and it cracked the vanity. The tenant advised that she did not notify the landlord when this happened. (c)Having considered the evidence I am satisfied that the damage occurred during the tenancy. Although I accept the damage was caused by the falling mirror the tenant’s failure to notify did not allow the landlord the opportunity to investigate and repair to prevent further damage once the crack appeared. I find that both parties have some liability for the repair and therefore order the tenant to pay half of the cost of the replacement in the sum of $149.50.
Damage to carpet - $632.50 for patch repairs (a)The landlord claimed that the tenant damaged the carpet as there were patches that were thread bare in the lounge and in the join between the bedroom and hallway. Entry and exit photographs were provided. The landlord could not advise the age of the carpet. (b)The tenant stated that there had been a major flood in the premises due a water leak and that the landlord had arranged for contractors to lift the carpets to dry them. The tenant stated that when the carpet was relaid it was not fully dry and was not fixed securely and the carpet began to wear afterwards. The landlord accepted that there had been a flood at the premises and that the wearing began to show after this. (c)Having considered the evidence including the unknown age of the carpet and the flood damage during the tenancy I find that the landlord has failed to prove on the balance of probabilities that the damage is beyond fair wear and tear.
Damage to screen door - $398 quote to replace (a)The landlord claimed that the metal screen door lock was bent and damaged during the tenancy. Entry and exit inspection photographs were provided. The landlord provided a quote for replacement in the sum of $398.00. (b)The tenant accepted that this damage was caused during the tenancy and accepted liability for the cost of replacement. As only a quote has been provided and the actual cost is not available the Tribunal takes a conservative approach and I discount the amount by 20 percent and order the tenant to pay $318.40 towards the repair.
Damage to curtains - $124.30 to replace (a)The landlord stated that the curtains were found folded at the end of the tenancy and they were stuck together which damaged the thermal backing. The landlord sought the cost of replacement. (b)The tenant agreed that she had folded the curtains. The damage is beyond fair wear and tear. The curtains were at least five years old and have a lifespan of eight years. I have depreciated the amount sought by five eighths and order the tenant to pay $46.61 towards the replacement.
The parties have agreed on a repayment arrangement. The tenant will pay $100.00 per fortnight to reduce the debt commencing on Wednesday 23 July 2025.
Because [The landlord/s] has substantially succeeded with the claim I have reimbursed the filing fee.
The Tribunal may on the application of any party or on its own initiative make a suppression order, having regard to the interests of the parties and to the public interest. Section 95A (4) Residential Tenancies Act 1986. At the hearing the landlord sought suppression of all party identifying details. Having considered the factors in this case including the goodwill and level of agreement between the parties the Tribunal grants suppression as sought.

Tenancy Tribunal case 5233220 — Property damage

At a glance

Tenancy Tribunal case 5233220 — Property damage

At a glance

Award balance

Claims & awards

Order

Reasons

How much is owed for water rates?

Did the tenant comply with their obligations at the end of the tenancy?

Is the tenant responsible for the damage to the premises?

Topics & place

Residential Tenancies Act sections

Key findings

Frequently asked questions

Award balance

Claims & awards

Order

Reasons

How much is owed for water rates?

Did the tenant comply with their obligations at the end of the tenancy?

Is the tenant responsible for the damage to the premises?

Topics & place

Residential Tenancies Act sections

Key findings

Frequently asked questions