How much money was awarded in case 5436348?

Filing Fee: $28.00 awarded to landlord; Property Damage: $500.00 awarded to landlord; Property Damage: $7.00 awarded to landlord; Rent Arrears: $1,198.00 awarded to landlord; Water Rates: $176.92 awarded to landlord

What type of tenancy dispute was case 5436348?

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

Where can I read the official tribunal order for case 5436348?

The official Ministry of Justice published order is available at https://forms.justice.govt.nz/search/Documents/TTV2/PDF/13550065-Tribunal_Order_Redacted.pdf.

How much money was awarded in case 5436348?

Filing Fee: $28.00 awarded to landlord; Property Damage: $500.00 awarded to landlord; Property Damage: $7.00 awarded to landlord; Rent Arrears: $1,198.00 awarded to landlord; Water Rates: $176.92 awarded to landlord

What type of tenancy dispute was case 5436348?

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

Where can I read the official tribunal order for case 5436348?

The official Ministry of Justice published order is available at https://forms.justice.govt.nz/search/Documents/TTV2/PDF/13550065-Tribunal_Order_Redacted.pdf.

New Zealand Tenancy Tribunal Case 5436348 — Rent arrears

Q: What was Tenancy Tribunal case 5436348 about?

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

Order

Claims and awards in Tenancy Tribunal application 5436348 — net $1,909.92 NZD. Amounts reconciled from the published order (claims sum and net total). Verify on MoJ.
Claim	Landlord	Reason
Rent arrears to 29/10/2025	$1,198.00	Rent arrears to 29/10/2025
Water rates	$176.92	Water rates
Repairs to wall & door damage	$500.00	Repairs to wall & door damage
Replacement battery for digital lock	$7.00	Replacement battery for digital lock
Filing fee reimbursement	$28.00	Filing fee reimbursement
Net award	$1,909.92
Total payable by Tenant to Landlord	$1,909.92

An application for suppression has been made in this case, and the Tribunal orders suppression of the Landlord’s name and identifying details.

Astin Richards is to pay [The landlord/s] $1,909.92 from the bond, calculated as shown in the table below.

The Bond Centre is to pay the bond of $1,909.92 ([Bond number suppressed]) to [The landlord/s] immediately. The Bond Centre is to pay the bond of $486.08 ([Bond number suppressed]) to Astin Richards immediately.

Reasons

This application concerns a claim by the landlord for rent arrears, water charges, and compensation following the end of a tenancy. The matter was heard by way of video conference on 22 April 2026. The landlord attended the hearing. The tenant did not attend.

I am satisfied that the tenant was properly served with notice of the hearing. The Tribunal also attempted to contact the tenant using the contact details provided, without success. In those circumstances, and having regard to the principles of procedural fairness and efficiency, I was satisfied it was appropriate to proceed with the hearing in the tenant’s absence. Background

The tenancy commenced on 24 October 2024 and ended on 29 October 2025. The weekly rent was $599 and the bond paid was $2,396.

At the conclusion of the tenancy, the landlord filed an application seeking recovery of rent arrears in the sum of $1,198, water charges of $176.92, and compensation for damage to the premises, including repairs to a wall and door of $977.50, and replacement of a battery for a digital lock of $7.00. Legal Framework

Under section 40(1)(a) of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (“the Act”), a tenant is required to pay the rent when it falls due. Where rent remains unpaid at the end of a tenancy, the landlord is entitled to recover the arrears as a debt.

In relation to outgoings, section 39 of the Act permits a landlord to require a tenant to pay for water charges where the premises are separately metered and the charges are exclusively attributable to the tenant’s use.

Section 40(2)(a) of the Act requires the tenant to keep the premises reasonably clean and tidy, while section 40(2)(b) provides that the tenant must not intentionally or carelessly damage, or permit damage to, the premises. Where damage occurs, section 49 of the Act entitles the landlord to compensation where the statutory threshold is met. The Tribunal must assess compensation on the basis of actual loss, taking into account issues such as proof of damage, causation, and the prohibition on betterment.

The onus of proof rests on the landlord to establish each claim on the balance of probabilities. Rent Arrears and Water Charges

The landlord provided a rent summary evidencing arrears in the sum of $1,198. I am satisfied on the evidence that the rent arrears claim is established. The tenant was obliged to pay rent as it fell due and failed to do so.

The landlord also provided water invoices totalling $176.92. There is no evidence to suggest the charges were not properly attributable to the tenant. I am satisfied that this claim is also proved. Damage to Wall and Door

The landlord seeks compensation for damage to a wall and door, relying on photographic evidence and an estimate based on similar repair work undertaken at another property. The landlord also noted that the premises had been newly renovated at the commencement of the tenancy.

I accept that the photographs demonstrate damage beyond fair wear and tear, and that the tenant is responsible for that damage under section 40(2)(b) of the Act. However, the Tribunal must assess compensation carefully to ensure it reflects actual and reasonable loss.

While invoices or quotations for the specific property are generally preferred as the best evidence of loss, I accept that some estimation is necessary in the absence of such documentation. I also take into account that compensation must not result in betterment and should reflect depreciation and the extent of the damage.

In the circumstances, I consider that the sum claimed is not fully supported by direct evidence. Doing the best I can on the available material, I assess a reasonable and fair amount for the damage at $500.00. Digital Lock Battery

The landlord also claims $7 for replacement of a battery in a digital lock. This claim is modest and supported. I am satisfied it is proved and reasonably incurred. Conclusion

The landlord has established entitlement to rent arrears, water charges, and partial compensation for damage. The total amount awarded is adjusted to reflect a fair and evidence-based assessment of loss. Filing Fee and Suppression Order

As the landlord has substantially succeeded with the claim, I have ordered the tenant to reimburse the filing fee and grant suppression of the landlord’s name and identifying details.

Claims and awards in Tenancy Tribunal application 5436348 — net $1,909.92 NZD. Amounts reconciled from the published order (claims sum and net total). Verify on MoJ.
Claim	Landlord	Reason
Rent arrears to 29/10/2025	$1,198.00	Rent arrears to 29/10/2025
Water rates	$176.92	Water rates
Repairs to wall & door damage	$500.00	Repairs to wall & door damage
Replacement battery for digital lock	$7.00	Replacement battery for digital lock
Filing fee reimbursement	$28.00	Filing fee reimbursement
Net award	$1,909.92
Total payable by Tenant to Landlord	$1,909.92

Order

An application for suppression has been made in this case, and the Tribunal orders suppression of the Landlord’s name and identifying details.
Astin Richards is to pay [The landlord/s] $1,909.92 from the bond, calculated as shown in the table below.

The Bond Centre is to pay the bond of $1,909.92 ([Bond number suppressed]) to [The landlord/s] immediately. The Bond Centre is to pay the bond of $486.08 ([Bond number suppressed]) to Astin Richards immediately.

Reasons

This application concerns a claim by the landlord for rent arrears, water charges, and compensation following the end of a tenancy. The matter was heard by way of video conference on 22 April 2026. The landlord attended the hearing. The tenant did not attend.
I am satisfied that the tenant was properly served with notice of the hearing. The Tribunal also attempted to contact the tenant using the contact details provided, without success. In those circumstances, and having regard to the principles of procedural fairness and efficiency, I was satisfied it was appropriate to proceed with the hearing in the tenant’s absence. Background
The tenancy commenced on 24 October 2024 and ended on 29 October 2025. The weekly rent was $599 and the bond paid was $2,396.
At the conclusion of the tenancy, the landlord filed an application seeking recovery of rent arrears in the sum of $1,198, water charges of $176.92, and compensation for damage to the premises, including repairs to a wall and door of $977.50, and replacement of a battery for a digital lock of $7.00. Legal Framework
Under section 40(1)(a) of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (“the Act”), a tenant is required to pay the rent when it falls due. Where rent remains unpaid at the end of a tenancy, the landlord is entitled to recover the arrears as a debt.
In relation to outgoings, section 39 of the Act permits a landlord to require a tenant to pay for water charges where the premises are separately metered and the charges are exclusively attributable to the tenant’s use.
Section 40(2)(a) of the Act requires the tenant to keep the premises reasonably clean and tidy, while section 40(2)(b) provides that the tenant must not intentionally or carelessly damage, or permit damage to, the premises. Where damage occurs, section 49 of the Act entitles the landlord to compensation where the statutory threshold is met. The Tribunal must assess compensation on the basis of actual loss, taking into account issues such as proof of damage, causation, and the prohibition on betterment.
The onus of proof rests on the landlord to establish each claim on the balance of probabilities. Rent Arrears and Water Charges
The landlord provided a rent summary evidencing arrears in the sum of $1,198. I am satisfied on the evidence that the rent arrears claim is established. The tenant was obliged to pay rent as it fell due and failed to do so.
The landlord also provided water invoices totalling $176.92. There is no evidence to suggest the charges were not properly attributable to the tenant. I am satisfied that this claim is also proved. Damage to Wall and Door
The landlord seeks compensation for damage to a wall and door, relying on photographic evidence and an estimate based on similar repair work undertaken at another property. The landlord also noted that the premises had been newly renovated at the commencement of the tenancy.
I accept that the photographs demonstrate damage beyond fair wear and tear, and that the tenant is responsible for that damage under section 40(2)(b) of the Act. However, the Tribunal must assess compensation carefully to ensure it reflects actual and reasonable loss.
While invoices or quotations for the specific property are generally preferred as the best evidence of loss, I accept that some estimation is necessary in the absence of such documentation. I also take into account that compensation must not result in betterment and should reflect depreciation and the extent of the damage.
In the circumstances, I consider that the sum claimed is not fully supported by direct evidence. Doing the best I can on the available material, I assess a reasonable and fair amount for the damage at $500.00. Digital Lock Battery
The landlord also claims $7 for replacement of a battery in a digital lock. This claim is modest and supported. I am satisfied it is proved and reasonably incurred. Conclusion
The landlord has established entitlement to rent arrears, water charges, and partial compensation for damage. The total amount awarded is adjusted to reflect a fair and evidence-based assessment of loss. Filing Fee and Suppression Order
As the landlord has substantially succeeded with the claim, I have ordered the tenant to reimburse the filing fee and grant suppression of the landlord’s name and identifying details.

Tenancy Tribunal case 5436348 — Rent arrears

At a glance

Award balance

Tenancy Tribunal case 5436348 — Rent arrears

At a glance

Award balance

Claims & awards

Order

Reasons

Topics & place

Residential Tenancies Act sections

Key findings

Frequently asked questions

Claims & awards

Order

Reasons

Topics & place

Residential Tenancies Act sections

Key findings

Frequently asked questions