Published tribunal order
Tenancy Tribunal case 5434448 — Cleanliness
Decided 31 Mar 2026 · Published 31 Mar 2026 · Application 5434448
- Cleanliness
Party names are redacted in the official published order.
Order
for rent arrears is made 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.
- In their application the landlord had sought a total sum of $4,839.94 for cleaning, rubbish removal and damage, but at the hearing today they advised that the claim had been reduced as follows: a. Cleaning - $346.37 b. Cleaning rangehood - $48.45 c. Cleaning stove and oven - $165.86 d. Disposing of tyres - $128.59 e. All rubbish removal (interior and exterior) - $821.05
- The landlord produced an ingoing inspection report and an outgoing inspection report with photos showing the condition of the property at the end of the tenancy.
- The tenant reviewed the photos at the hearing. She explained that she had always kept the property clean and tidy but that she suffered a serious hand injury just before the end of the tenancy. She said that her son assisted as much as possible but was not able to finish the cleaning and was only able to stack up all unwanted items outside but not remove them.
- The tenant agreed that the amounts claimed were appropriate and reasonable.
- I have therefore made orders for the above claimed cleaning/rubbish removal by consent. Time payment of debt
- The tenant said that she is on a very limited income due to her current health issues and so can only pay $10.00 per week towards the arrears. The landlord agreed to weekly payments of this amount.
- I have made orders accordingly. Filing fee and name suppression
- The landlord did not seek reimbursement of the filing fee.
- This matter proceeded more in the manner of a mediation than a hearing. The Tribunal has not had to make any determinations as all orders were discussed, agreed and made by consent.
- In the circumstances I do not consider that there is any public interest in publishing the name of the tenant or her identifying details (or the tenancy address) and so exercise my discretion under section 95A RTA to make suppression orders accordingly. M Allan 31 March 2026