What was the outcome of Tenancy Tribunal case 5283522?

The tribunal order states: The tenancy of Vernon Neil Bugden at Flat 7, 71 Main Street, Mataura 9712 is

How much money was awarded in case 5283522?

Filing Fee: $27.00 awarded to landlord; Rent Arrears: $2,300.00 awarded to landlord

What type of tenancy dispute was case 5283522?

The primary dispute was Rent arrears.

Where can I read the official tribunal order for case 5283522?

The official Ministry of Justice published order is available at https://forms.justice.govt.nz/search/Documents/TTV2/PDF/12037274-Tenancy_Tribunal_Order.pdf.

What was the outcome of Tenancy Tribunal case 5283522?

The tribunal order states: The tenancy of Vernon Neil Bugden at Flat 7, 71 Main Street, Mataura 9712 is

How much money was awarded in case 5283522?

Filing Fee: $27.00 awarded to landlord; Rent Arrears: $2,300.00 awarded to landlord

What type of tenancy dispute was case 5283522?

The primary dispute was Rent arrears.

Where can I read the official tribunal order for case 5283522?

The official Ministry of Justice published order is available at https://forms.justice.govt.nz/search/Documents/TTV2/PDF/12037274-Tenancy_Tribunal_Order.pdf.

Unit/Flat Flat 7, 71 Main Street, Mataura, Mataura 9712 Tenancy Tribunal Case 5283522 — Rent arrears

Order

Claims and awards in Tenancy Tribunal application 5283522 — net $927.00 NZD. Amounts reconciled from the published order (claims sum and net total). Verify on MoJ.
Claim	Landlord	Reason
Rent arrears to 26 June 2025	$2,300.00	Rent arrears to 26 June 2025
Filing fee reimbursement	$27.00	Filing fee reimbursement
Net award	$927.00
Total payable by Tenant to Landlord	$927.00

The tenancy of Vernon Neil Bugden at Flat 7, 71 Main Street, Mataura 9712 is terminated with immediate effect, and possession of the premises is immediately granted to Inspire Property Management Limited.

The Bond Centre is directed to release the bond of $1,400.00 (Bond Number 3442006-023) to Inspire Property Management Limited without delay, upon receipt of a duly completed bond release form with a copy of this Order provided in support.

Vernon Neil Bugden is ordered to pay Inspire Property Management Limited the sum of $927.00 immediately, representing rent arrears up to 26 June 2025 and reimbursement of the filing fee, as detailed in the table below:

Reasons

The Applicant (landlord) appeared for the hearing by telephone. The Respondent (tenant) did not attend. Attempts to contact the tenant on their last known mobile number were unsuccessful. The tenant had been properly served, and accordingly, the hearing proceeded in their absence under section 91 of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (the Act).

This is an expedited application in which the landlord seeks: a. Termination of the tenancy on the grounds of abandonment; b. Immediate possession; c. Recovery of rent arrears; d. Full release of the bond to offset the tenant’s debt; and e. Reimbursement of the filing fee. Rental arrears

The landlord applied for recovery of rent arrears and submitted rent records substantiating the amount owed.

As of the application date (10 June 2025), the rent was already more than three weeks in arrears and continued to accrue with no payments made by the hearing date. Abandonment

The landlord’s property manager was away from the office between 28 April and 2 May 2025, and returned on 5 May 2025.

During this period, the tenant left voicemail messages indicating a desire to end the tenancy but provided no further details.

The property manager attempted to return the tenant’s calls, leaving messages to: a. Confirm the proposed end date of the tenancy; and b. Discuss repayment of rent arrears.

However, no direct contact was achieved. The tenant ceased all communication, failing to respond to further phone calls.

On 8 May 2025, an inspection of the premises revealed the tenant’s belongings were still present, and there were no visible signs of abandonment.

On 20 May 2025, while attending an adjacent property, the property manager observed—through an external view—that the tenant’s belongings had been removed, and a key had been left inside the property. Due to glare on the windows, photographs could not be taken to document the observation.

A subsequent inspection was arranged. The landlord issued a notice on 5 June 2025 for an inspection on 9 June 2025. Upon entry, it was confirmed that the tenant had vacated, leaving the premises empty.

Should the tenancy be terminated?

Under section 61 of the Act, the Tribunal may terminate a tenancy where: a. The premises have been abandoned; and b. Rent is in arrears at the hearing date.

A tenancy is deemed abandoned when a tenant leaves without reasonable excuse, does not intend to return, fails to meet obligations, and does not inform the landlord.

Based on the evidence presented, it is clear that the tenant has abandoned the premises and continues to owe rent arrears.

As the requirements under section 61 are satisfied, the tenancy is terminated with immediate effect. Immediate possession

The landlord sought immediate possession, which is granted accordingly. Bond refund

The landlord also sought release of the full bond to offset the arrears, which is accordingly ordered. Reimbursement of filing fee

As Inspire Property Management Limited is entirely successful in its application, the filing fee is reimbursed.

Claims and awards in Tenancy Tribunal application 5283522 — net $927.00 NZD. Amounts reconciled from the published order (claims sum and net total). Verify on MoJ.
Claim	Landlord	Reason
Rent arrears to 26 June 2025	$2,300.00	Rent arrears to 26 June 2025
Filing fee reimbursement	$27.00	Filing fee reimbursement
Net award	$927.00
Total payable by Tenant to Landlord	$927.00

Order

The tenancy of Vernon Neil Bugden at Flat 7, 71 Main Street, Mataura 9712 is terminated with immediate effect, and possession of the premises is immediately granted to Inspire Property Management Limited.
The Bond Centre is directed to release the bond of $1,400.00 (Bond Number 3442006-023) to Inspire Property Management Limited without delay, upon receipt of a duly completed bond release form with a copy of this Order provided in support.
Vernon Neil Bugden is ordered to pay Inspire Property Management Limited the sum of $927.00 immediately, representing rent arrears up to 26 June 2025 and reimbursement of the filing fee, as detailed in the table below:

Reasons

The Applicant (landlord) appeared for the hearing by telephone. The Respondent (tenant) did not attend. Attempts to contact the tenant on their last known mobile number were unsuccessful. The tenant had been properly served, and accordingly, the hearing proceeded in their absence under section 91 of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (the Act).
This is an expedited application in which the landlord seeks: a. Termination of the tenancy on the grounds of abandonment; b. Immediate possession; c. Recovery of rent arrears; d. Full release of the bond to offset the tenant’s debt; and e. Reimbursement of the filing fee. Rental arrears
The landlord applied for recovery of rent arrears and submitted rent records substantiating the amount owed.
As of the application date (10 June 2025), the rent was already more than three weeks in arrears and continued to accrue with no payments made by the hearing date. Abandonment
The landlord’s property manager was away from the office between 28 April and 2 May 2025, and returned on 5 May 2025.
During this period, the tenant left voicemail messages indicating a desire to end the tenancy but provided no further details.
The property manager attempted to return the tenant’s calls, leaving messages to: a. Confirm the proposed end date of the tenancy; and b. Discuss repayment of rent arrears.
However, no direct contact was achieved. The tenant ceased all communication, failing to respond to further phone calls.
On 8 May 2025, an inspection of the premises revealed the tenant’s belongings were still present, and there were no visible signs of abandonment.
On 20 May 2025, while attending an adjacent property, the property manager observed—through an external view—that the tenant’s belongings had been removed, and a key had been left inside the property. Due to glare on the windows, photographs could not be taken to document the observation.
A subsequent inspection was arranged. The landlord issued a notice on 5 June 2025 for an inspection on 9 June 2025. Upon entry, it was confirmed that the tenant had vacated, leaving the premises empty.

Should the tenancy be terminated?

Under section 61 of the Act, the Tribunal may terminate a tenancy where: a. The premises have been abandoned; and b. Rent is in arrears at the hearing date.
A tenancy is deemed abandoned when a tenant leaves without reasonable excuse, does not intend to return, fails to meet obligations, and does not inform the landlord.
Based on the evidence presented, it is clear that the tenant has abandoned the premises and continues to owe rent arrears.
As the requirements under section 61 are satisfied, the tenancy is terminated with immediate effect. Immediate possession
The landlord sought immediate possession, which is granted accordingly. Bond refund
The landlord also sought release of the full bond to offset the arrears, which is accordingly ordered. Reimbursement of filing fee
As Inspire Property Management Limited is entirely successful in its application, the filing fee is reimbursed.

Tenancy Tribunal case 5283522 — Rent arrears at Unit/Flat Flat 7, 71 Main Street, Mataura, Mataura 9712

At a glance

Tenancy Tribunal case 5283522 — Rent arrears at Unit/Flat Flat 7, 71 Main Street, Mataura, Mataura 9712

At a glance

Award balance

Claims & awards

Order

Reasons

Should the tenancy be terminated?

Topics & place

Residential Tenancies Act sections

Key findings

Property management

Frequently asked questions

Award balance

Claims & awards

Order

Reasons

Should the tenancy be terminated?

Topics & place

Residential Tenancies Act sections

Key findings

Property management

Frequently asked questions