What was Tenancy Tribunal case 5396439 about?

The tribunal order states: [The tenant/s] must pay Inspire Real Estate Limited as the agent

How much money was awarded in case 5396439?

Cleaning: $112.00 awarded to landlord; Cleaning: $300.00 awarded to landlord; Filing Fee: $28.00 awarded to landlord; Kitchen Vinyl: $394.00 awarded to landlord; Property Damage: $171.25 awarded to landlord; Rent Arrears: $2,314.29 awarded to landlord; Rubbish Removal: $138.00 awarded to landlord

What type of tenancy dispute was case 5396439?

The primary dispute was Rent arrears. Related themes: Property damage, Cleanliness.

Where can I read the official tribunal order for case 5396439?

The official Ministry of Justice published order is available at https://forms.justice.govt.nz/search/Documents/TTV2/PDF/13318817-Tenancy_Tribunal_Order.pdf.

What was Tenancy Tribunal case 5396439 about?

The tribunal order states: [The tenant/s] must pay Inspire Real Estate Limited as the agent

How much money was awarded in case 5396439?

Cleaning: $112.00 awarded to landlord; Cleaning: $300.00 awarded to landlord; Filing Fee: $28.00 awarded to landlord; Kitchen Vinyl: $394.00 awarded to landlord; Property Damage: $171.25 awarded to landlord; Rent Arrears: $2,314.29 awarded to landlord; Rubbish Removal: $138.00 awarded to landlord

What type of tenancy dispute was case 5396439?

The primary dispute was Rent arrears. Related themes: Property damage, Cleanliness.

Where can I read the official tribunal order for case 5396439?

The official Ministry of Justice published order is available at https://forms.justice.govt.nz/search/Documents/TTV2/PDF/13318817-Tenancy_Tribunal_Order.pdf.

Unit/Flat Flat 4, 129 Malfroy Road, Victoria, Rotorua 3010 Tenancy Tribunal Case 5396439 — Rent arrears

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Unit/Flat Flat 4, 129 Malfroy Road, Victoria, Rotorua 3010 Tenancy Tribunal Case 5396439 — Rent arrears | 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 5396439 — net $1,837.54 NZD. Amounts reconciled from the published order (claims sum and net total). Verify on MoJ.
Claim	Landlord	Reason
Rent arrears to 14.11.2025	$2,314.29	Rent arrears to 14.11.2025
Cleaning	$300.00	Cleaning
Rubbish removal	$138.00	Rubbish removal
Carpet cleaning	$112.00	Carpet cleaning
Lock/key replacement	$171.25	Lock/key replacement
Repairs to vinyl	$394.00	Repairs to vinyl
Filing fee reimbursement	$28.00	Filing fee reimbursement
Net award	$1,837.54
Total payable by Tenant to Landlord	$1,837.54

Claims and awards for application 5396439 — net $1,837.54 NZD. Verify on MoJ.

Rent arrears to 14.11.2025

Amount: $2,314.29
Awarded to: Landlord
Reason: Rent arrears to 14.11.2025

Cleaning

Amount: $300.00
Awarded to: Landlord
Reason: Cleaning

Rubbish removal

Amount: $138.00
Awarded to: Landlord
Reason: Rubbish removal

Carpet cleaning

Amount: $112.00
Awarded to: Landlord
Reason: Carpet cleaning

Lock/key replacement

Amount: $171.25
Awarded to: Landlord
Reason: Lock/key replacement

Claim types — money lines allowed on this order

Carpet Cleaning Cleanliness Filing Fee Property damage Rent arrears Rubbish Removal

Order

[The tenant/s] must pay Inspire Real Estate Limited as the agent for Gurmeet Singh / G.B.S.M Limited $1,837.54 immediately, calculated as shown in the table below.
The Bond Centre is to pay the bond of $1,620.00 (BN-00100202) to Inspire Real Estate Limited as the agent for Gurmeet Singh / G.B.S.M Limited immediately.

Reasons

Only the landlord, represented by Ms London, attended the hearing, which was conducted by videoconference. The tenant did not join the video meeting at the scheduled time, either by video or telephone. As the tenant has been notified, the hearing proceeded.
This tenancy began on 9 June 2025 and ended on 14 November 2025.
The landlord has applied for rent arrears, compensation, payment from the bond, and reimbursement of the filing fee following the end of the tenancy.

How much is owed for rent?

The landlord provided evidence regarding the ending of the tenancy, noting the tenant had left the premises and his partner moved in. The landlord then received verbal and text notification from the tenant confirming that the tenancy was to end on 14 November 2025. The landlord provided rent records and oral evidence to establish the amount owing at the end of the tenancy, which is awarded above.

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) of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (the RTA).
The landlord claims cleaning, carpet cleaning and rubbish removal costs. The landlord has provided evidence, including invoices, and photographs showing the condition of the premises. This evidence establishes that the tenant did not leave the premises reasonably clean and tidy, and did not remove all rubbish. There was a significant amount of rubbish left behind and further cleaning was required. The items included old furniture, a bed base, chest of drawers, and plastic bags of rubbish.
The carpet required additional cleaning and deodorising, to remove odour from a dog kept on the premises (in breach of the tenancy agreement).
The tenant did not return the keys, so the landlord incurred locksmith’s charges to change the locks and keys, as shown in the invoice.
The amounts ordered are proved. Compensation for damage General principles regarding responsibility for damage
The landlord seeks compensation for tenant damage. To be successful, 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 of the 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) of the 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) of the RTA.
The landlord advises that the insurance excess for tenant damage is $1,000.00.
Tenants are liable for the cost of repairing damage that is intentional or which results from any activity at the premises that is an imprisonable offence. This applies to anything the tenant does and anything done by a person they are responsible for. See section 49B(1) of the RTA.
Damage is intentional where a person intends to cause damage and takes the necessary steps to achieve that purpose. Damage is also intentional where a person does something, or allows a situation to continue, knowing that damage is a certainty. See Guo v Korck [2019] NZHC 1541.
When determining the quantum of compensation, betterment and depreciation must be taken into account. Applying the principle of betterment, the landlord should be returned to the position they would have been in had the tenant not breached their obligations, and should not be better or worse off. In calculating depreciation, the age and condition of the items at the start of the tenancy and their likely useful lifespan must be considered.

Is the tenant responsible for the damage to the premises?

The landlord seeks compensation for repairing damage to the vinyl in the bathroom, stating this was likely caused by the dog chewing on it. The photograph provided in evidence shows the damage. An invoice for repairs has been provided. As other work was also completed, the landlord seeks 50% of the total cost of the invoice for $788.00. So, the amount claimed by the landlord is $394.00.
The landlord’s evidence establishes that the vinyl damage was caused during the tenancy. The damage is more than fair wear and tear, and the tenant has not disproved liability for the damage.
The amount ordered is proved. Filing fee and name suppression
As the landlord has been successful, the tenant is to pay the landlord’s filing fee.
The landlord does not request name suppression.

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 5396439 — net $1,837.54 NZD. Amounts reconciled from the published order (claims sum and net total). Verify on MoJ.
Claim	Landlord	Reason
Rent arrears to 14.11.2025	$2,314.29	Rent arrears to 14.11.2025
Cleaning	$300.00	Cleaning
Rubbish removal	$138.00	Rubbish removal
Carpet cleaning	$112.00	Carpet cleaning
Lock/key replacement	$171.25	Lock/key replacement
Repairs to vinyl	$394.00	Repairs to vinyl
Filing fee reimbursement	$28.00	Filing fee reimbursement
Net award	$1,837.54
Total payable by Tenant to Landlord	$1,837.54

Claims and awards for application 5396439 — net $1,837.54 NZD. Verify on MoJ.

Rent arrears to 14.11.2025

Amount: $2,314.29
Awarded to: Landlord
Reason: Rent arrears to 14.11.2025

Cleaning

Amount: $300.00
Awarded to: Landlord
Reason: Cleaning

Rubbish removal

Amount: $138.00
Awarded to: Landlord
Reason: Rubbish removal

Carpet cleaning

Amount: $112.00
Awarded to: Landlord
Reason: Carpet cleaning

Lock/key replacement

Amount: $171.25
Awarded to: Landlord
Reason: Lock/key replacement

Claim types — money lines allowed on this order

Carpet Cleaning Cleanliness Filing Fee Property damage Rent arrears Rubbish Removal

Order

[The tenant/s] must pay Inspire Real Estate Limited as the agent for Gurmeet Singh / G.B.S.M Limited $1,837.54 immediately, calculated as shown in the table below.
The Bond Centre is to pay the bond of $1,620.00 (BN-00100202) to Inspire Real Estate Limited as the agent for Gurmeet Singh / G.B.S.M Limited immediately.

Reasons

Only the landlord, represented by Ms London, attended the hearing, which was conducted by videoconference. The tenant did not join the video meeting at the scheduled time, either by video or telephone. As the tenant has been notified, the hearing proceeded.
This tenancy began on 9 June 2025 and ended on 14 November 2025.
The landlord has applied for rent arrears, compensation, payment from the bond, and reimbursement of the filing fee following the end of the tenancy.

How much is owed for rent?

The landlord provided evidence regarding the ending of the tenancy, noting the tenant had left the premises and his partner moved in. The landlord then received verbal and text notification from the tenant confirming that the tenancy was to end on 14 November 2025. The landlord provided rent records and oral evidence to establish the amount owing at the end of the tenancy, which is awarded above.

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) of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (the RTA).
The landlord claims cleaning, carpet cleaning and rubbish removal costs. The landlord has provided evidence, including invoices, and photographs showing the condition of the premises. This evidence establishes that the tenant did not leave the premises reasonably clean and tidy, and did not remove all rubbish. There was a significant amount of rubbish left behind and further cleaning was required. The items included old furniture, a bed base, chest of drawers, and plastic bags of rubbish.
The carpet required additional cleaning and deodorising, to remove odour from a dog kept on the premises (in breach of the tenancy agreement).
The tenant did not return the keys, so the landlord incurred locksmith’s charges to change the locks and keys, as shown in the invoice.
The amounts ordered are proved. Compensation for damage General principles regarding responsibility for damage
The landlord seeks compensation for tenant damage. To be successful, 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 of the 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) of the 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) of the RTA.
The landlord advises that the insurance excess for tenant damage is $1,000.00.
Tenants are liable for the cost of repairing damage that is intentional or which results from any activity at the premises that is an imprisonable offence. This applies to anything the tenant does and anything done by a person they are responsible for. See section 49B(1) of the RTA.
Damage is intentional where a person intends to cause damage and takes the necessary steps to achieve that purpose. Damage is also intentional where a person does something, or allows a situation to continue, knowing that damage is a certainty. See Guo v Korck [2019] NZHC 1541.
When determining the quantum of compensation, betterment and depreciation must be taken into account. Applying the principle of betterment, the landlord should be returned to the position they would have been in had the tenant not breached their obligations, and should not be better or worse off. In calculating depreciation, the age and condition of the items at the start of the tenancy and their likely useful lifespan must be considered.

Is the tenant responsible for the damage to the premises?

The landlord seeks compensation for repairing damage to the vinyl in the bathroom, stating this was likely caused by the dog chewing on it. The photograph provided in evidence shows the damage. An invoice for repairs has been provided. As other work was also completed, the landlord seeks 50% of the total cost of the invoice for $788.00. So, the amount claimed by the landlord is $394.00.
The landlord’s evidence establishes that the vinyl damage was caused during the tenancy. The damage is more than fair wear and tear, and the tenant has not disproved liability for the damage.
The amount ordered is proved. Filing fee and name suppression
As the landlord has been successful, the tenant is to pay the landlord’s filing fee.
The landlord does not request name suppression.

Tenancy Tribunal case 5396439 — Rent arrears at Unit/Flat Flat 4, 129 Malfroy Road, Victoria, Rotorua 3010

At a glance

Tenancy Tribunal case 5396439 — Rent arrears at Unit/Flat Flat 4, 129 Malfroy Road, Victoria, Rotorua 3010

At a glance

Award balance

Claims & awards

Order

Reasons

How much is owed for rent?

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

Property management

Frequently asked questions

Award balance

Claims & awards

Order

Reasons

How much is owed for rent?

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

Property management

Frequently asked questions