Tenantcheck Insights · Case study
Tenancy Tribunal case 5366361 — Property damage at 5 Tensing Place, Sockburn, Christchurch 8042
Published 29 January 2026 · Application 5366361
- Property damage
At a glance
Key facts from the published tribunal order.
Outcome
Landlord favoured
From published order
Location
Christchurch
Tribunal region
Adjudicator
R Morgan
Dispute themes
Award balance
Gross awards, any bond applied per the order, and the remaining balance payable.
- Gross award
- $1,654.57
- Total balance for Tenant to pay Landlord
- $1,654.57
Claims & awards
What this tenancy cost at tribunal — claim, category, amount, and party awarded, with reconciled net total.
| Claim | Landlord | Tenant | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Previous order application 5329389 dated 11/09/2025 | $856.57 | Previous order application 5329389 dated 11/09/2025 | |
| Rubbish removal | $320.00 | Rubbish removal | |
| Window repairs | $450.00 | Window repairs | |
| Filing fee reimbursement | $28.00 | Filing fee reimbursement | |
| Net award | $1,654.57 | ||
| Total payable by Tenant to Landlord | $1,654.57 |
Claims and awards for application 5366361 — net $1,654.57 NZD. Verify on MoJ.
Previous order application 5329389 dated 11/09/2025
- Amount
- $856.57
- Awarded to
- Landlord
- Reason
- Previous order application 5329389 dated 11/09/2025
Rubbish removal
- Amount
- $320.00
- Awarded to
- Landlord
- Reason
- Rubbish removal
Window repairs
- Amount
- $450.00
- Awarded to
- Landlord
- Reason
- Window repairs
Filing fee reimbursement
- Amount
- $28.00
- Awarded to
- Landlord
- Reason
- Filing fee reimbursement
Net award
Landlord $1,654.57
Total payable by Tenant to Landlord
Landlord $1,654.57
Claim types — money lines allowed on this order
Order
- Megan Morphus to pay Woody Bay Limited $1,654.57 from the bond, calculated as shown in table below.
- This order incorporates the Tribunal order made on 11 September 2025 under application 5329389.
- The tenant application (5341860) is dismissed.
Reasons
- A representative of the landlord attended the hearing. The tenant did not attend.
- The landlord has applied (5366361) for compensation, partial refund of the bond, and reimbursement of the filing fee following the end of the tenancy.
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.
- The tenant did not remove all rubbish. The landlord provided photographs of the premises at the end of the tenancy and an invoice for the rubbish removal costs. The amounts ordered are proved.
Is the tenant responsible for the damage to the premises?
- 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 RTA.
- The landlord claimed the cost of window replacement for a window sash and a glass door. He did not provide photographic evidence of the work required. He did provide an invoice for repairs and a transcript of communications from the tenant. The accepted the responsibility for the window, but not the glass door. The landlord has not proved it’s claim in relation to the glass door. I award $450 for the window repair (being slightly less than half the invoice for both repairs). Previous Order
- On 11 September 2025 the Tribunal made an order relating to this tenancy, for rent arrears to 13 August 2025. The previous order is incorporated into this order for enforcement purposes. Tenant Application - 5341860
- The tenant had applied for compensation and exemplary damages for alleged breaches of the landlord’s obligations.
- The tenant did not attend the hearing at the scheduled time, request an adjournment, or notify the Tribunal the matter has settled. See sections 78(1)(i) and 92(1) Residential Tenancies Act 1986. The tenant claim is dismissed.
- As the landlord was the successful party, I have awarded reimbursement of the Tribunal application fee. .
Topics & place
Topics are dispute themes across the order (not the same as claim-type money lines).
Residential Tenancies Act sections
s40(1), s40(2), s78(1)
Key findings
- Dispute theme: property damage
Property management
- WOODY BAY LIMITED (applicant)
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this Tenancy Tribunal case.
What was the outcome of Tenancy Tribunal case 5366361?
The tribunal order states: Megan Morphus to pay Woody Bay Limited $1,654.57 from the bond,
How much money was awarded in case 5366361?
Filing Fee: $28.00 awarded to landlord; Previous Order Application 5329389 D…: $856.57 awarded to landlord; Property Damage: $450.00 awarded to landlord; Rubbish Removal: $320.00 awarded to landlord
What type of tenancy dispute was case 5366361?
The primary dispute was Property damage.
Where can I read the official tribunal order for case 5366361?
The official Ministry of Justice published order is available at https://forms.justice.govt.nz/search/Documents/TTV2/PDF/13041363-Tenancy_Tribunal_Order.pdf.