Published tribunal order
Tenancy Tribunal case 5324567 — Cleanliness at Unit/Flat 1, 57 Banks Street, Marfell, New Plymouth 4310
Decided 9 Oct 2025 · Published 9 Oct 2025 · Application 5324567
- Cleanliness
- Property damage
Order
- [The tenant/s] must pay Property Brokers Limited $2,353.04 immediately, calculated as shown in table below.
- The Bond Centre is to pay the bond of $1,600.00 (3225193-008) to Property Brokers Limited immediately.
Reasons
- The landlord attended the hearing via videoconference. The tenant did not.
- The tenant’s phone number was tried also but it did not connect.
- The tenancy was from 29 March 2021 until 14 July 2025.
- Following the end of the tenancy, the landlord has applied for compensation, refund of the bond, and reimbursement of the filing fee.
- 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 (“RTA”). The tenant must also replace standard light bulbs.
- For any damage claims, the 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.
- The tenant did not remove all rubbish. The tenant did not return one of the keys. The landlord had to replace light bulbs. The carpet and the curtain required cleaning.
- There was damage on the walls and a door. 12 light shades were either missing or damaged. The landlord provided photos of the premises from before and after the tenancy to prove that the damages occurred during the tenancy.
- The amounts ordered above are proved.
- Because the landlord has wholly succeeded with the claim, the tenant must reimburse the filing fee.
- The bond is to be paid out to the landlord to offset the amount payable by the tenant.