What was the outcome of Tenancy Tribunal case 5424189?

The tribunal order states: Chelsey Jackson (also known as Chelsea Bennett) and Michael Preston must

How much money was awarded in case 5424189?

Filing Fee: $28.00 awarded to landlord; Property Damage: $193.79 awarded to landlord; Property Damage: $110.00 awarded to landlord; Property Damage: $375.00 awarded to landlord; Rent Arrears: $5,400.00 awarded to landlord; Rubbish Removal: $600.00 awarded to landlord

What type of tenancy dispute was case 5424189?

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

Where can I read the official tribunal order for case 5424189?

The official Ministry of Justice published order is available at https://forms.justice.govt.nz/search/Documents/TTV2/PDF/13277632-Tenancy_Tribunal_Order.pdf.

What was the outcome of Tenancy Tribunal case 5424189?

The tribunal order states: Chelsey Jackson (also known as Chelsea Bennett) and Michael Preston must

How much money was awarded in case 5424189?

Filing Fee: $28.00 awarded to landlord; Property Damage: $193.79 awarded to landlord; Property Damage: $110.00 awarded to landlord; Property Damage: $375.00 awarded to landlord; Rent Arrears: $5,400.00 awarded to landlord; Rubbish Removal: $600.00 awarded to landlord

What type of tenancy dispute was case 5424189?

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

Where can I read the official tribunal order for case 5424189?

The official Ministry of Justice published order is available at https://forms.justice.govt.nz/search/Documents/TTV2/PDF/13277632-Tenancy_Tribunal_Order.pdf.

448 Tauwhare Road, Matangi, Hamilton 3284 Tenancy Tribunal Case 5424189 — Rent arrears

Claims and awards in Tenancy Tribunal application 5424189 — net $4,466.79 NZD. Amounts reconciled from the published order (claims sum and net total). Verify on MoJ.
Claim	Landlord	Reason
Rent arrears to 17/02/2026	$5,400.00	11. The evidence establishes that the tenancy ended on 17 February 2026 and that rent arrears owing to that date total $5,400.
Lock replacement	$193.79	Lock replacement
Glass repair	$110.00	Glass repair
Carpet repair	$375.00	Carpet repair
Rubbish removal	$600.00	Rubbish removal
Filing fee reimbursement	$28.00	Filing fee reimbursement
Net award	$4,466.79
Total payable by Tenant to Landlord	$4,466.79

Order

Chelsey Jackson (also known as Chelsea Bennett) and Michael Preston must pay Leo Liu and Shan Su $4,466.79 immediately, calculated as shown in table below.
The Bond Centre is to pay the bond of $2,240.00 to Leo Liu and Shan Su immediately.

Reasons

This is an application by the landlord seeking termination of the tenancy for rent arrears and compensation for damage to the premises. At the time the application was filed the landlord also sought recovery of rent arrears, replacement of locks, and repair of broken glass.
A hearing of the application was held by videoconference. The landlord attended. The tenants did not attend the hearing. I am satisfied that notice of the hearing was properly served on the tenants. No explanation was provided for the tenants’ absence. Being satisfied that service had been effected and that it was appropriate to do so, I proceeded with the hearing in the tenants’ absence.
Since the filing of the application, the tenancy has ended. Accordingly, the Tribunal’s focus is on determining the outstanding issues between the parties, including rent arrears, compensation for damage, and the disposition of the bond. Background
The tenancy commenced on 18 May 2025. The weekly rent was $600 and the bond paid was $2,240.
The landlord filed this application on 12 January 2026 seeking termination of the tenancy on the basis that the tenants were at least 21 days in rent arrears. The landlord had issued a 14-day notice to remedy rent arrears on 23 December 2025. The notice required the tenants to pay the outstanding rent by 6 January 2026. The landlord says the arrears were not remedied. The landlord also sought compensation for replacement of locks and repair of a broken glass panel.
The tenancy has since ended on 17 February 2026. The landlord seeks rent arrears to that date together with compensation for damage and costs incurred as a result of the tenants’ conduct. Legal Framework
Under section 40(1)(a) of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (“RTA”) tenants must pay rent when it falls due. Failure to pay rent constitutes a breach of the tenancy agreement.
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) RTA.
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. Rent Arrears
The landlord provided a rent summary confirming that rent arrears accrued during the tenancy and remained unpaid when the tenants vacated the property.
The evidence establishes that the tenancy ended on 17 February 2026 and that rent arrears owing to that date total $5,400.
There was no evidence before the Tribunal of any payment made by the tenants toward these arrears. On the evidence provided, I am satisfied the rent ledger accurately records the arrears.
The landlord’s claim for rent arrears of $5,400 is therefore established. Lock Replacement
The landlord seeks $193.79 for replacement locks.
The landlord gave evidence that the locks were damaged and the tenants failed to return the keys when they vacated the premises. As a result, the landlord considered it necessary to change the locks for security purposes. An invoice confirming the cost of replacement locks was provided.
The cost claimed is supported by the invoice and is reasonable. The landlord’s claim for $193.79 is established. Broken Glass
The landlord also seeks $110 for repair of a broken glass panel.
Photographs provided by the landlord show that the glass was broken during the tenancy.
Although no written invoice was produced, the landlord gave evidence that oral quotes had been obtained for repair and that the amount claimed reflects the reasonable cost of the repair.
The photographs establish that the damage occurred and there is no evidence suggesting that it resulted from fair wear and tear. Damage of this nature is consistent with tenant-caused damage rather than ordinary use of the premises.
I accept the landlord’s evidence regarding the estimated repair cost and am satisfied that the amount claimed is reasonable in the circumstances. The claim of $110 is therefore allowed. Carpet Repair
The landlord claims $375 for repair of carpet damage.
Photographs show staining and damage to the carpet, including marks consistent with animal urine. The landlord also provided a repair quote of $375 for repair of the damaged carpet.
I am satisfied that the damage shown in the photographs exceeds fair wear and tear and is attributable to the tenants or their associates.
The repair cost of $375 is supported by the quote provided and is reasonable. The landlord’s claim for this amount is established. Rubbish Removal
The landlord also claims $600 for removal of rubbish left at the premises after the tenants vacated.
Photographs were provided showing rubbish left on the property after the tenancy ended. The landlord says the tenants were asked several times to remove the rubbish but failed to do so.
Tenants are required under section 40(1)(e) of the Act to leave the premises reasonably clean and tidy at the end of the tenancy. Leaving significant quantities of rubbish at the property constitutes a breach of this obligation.
The landlord advised that he personally undertook the work of removing and disposing of the rubbish.
Where a landlord performs work themselves rather than engaging contractors, the Tribunal may still allow reasonable compensation for the time and costs involved in remedying the tenant’s breach.
Taking into account the extent of the rubbish shown in the photographs and the time likely required to remove and dispose of it, the amount claimed is reasonable. The landlord’s claim for $600 is allowed. Bond
The bond paid for the tenancy was $2,240.
Given the tenants’ liability for rent arrears and compensation, the bond will be applied toward the amounts owed to the landlord. Filing Fee
As the landlord has wholly succeeded with the claim, I must reimburse the filing fee.

Claims and awards in Tenancy Tribunal application 5424189 — net $4,466.79 NZD. Amounts reconciled from the published order (claims sum and net total). Verify on MoJ.
Claim	Landlord	Reason
Rent arrears to 17/02/2026	$5,400.00	11. The evidence establishes that the tenancy ended on 17 February 2026 and that rent arrears owing to that date total $5,400.
Lock replacement	$193.79	Lock replacement
Glass repair	$110.00	Glass repair
Carpet repair	$375.00	Carpet repair
Rubbish removal	$600.00	Rubbish removal
Filing fee reimbursement	$28.00	Filing fee reimbursement
Net award	$4,466.79
Total payable by Tenant to Landlord	$4,466.79

Order

Chelsey Jackson (also known as Chelsea Bennett) and Michael Preston must pay Leo Liu and Shan Su $4,466.79 immediately, calculated as shown in table below.
The Bond Centre is to pay the bond of $2,240.00 to Leo Liu and Shan Su immediately.

Reasons

This is an application by the landlord seeking termination of the tenancy for rent arrears and compensation for damage to the premises. At the time the application was filed the landlord also sought recovery of rent arrears, replacement of locks, and repair of broken glass.
A hearing of the application was held by videoconference. The landlord attended. The tenants did not attend the hearing. I am satisfied that notice of the hearing was properly served on the tenants. No explanation was provided for the tenants’ absence. Being satisfied that service had been effected and that it was appropriate to do so, I proceeded with the hearing in the tenants’ absence.
Since the filing of the application, the tenancy has ended. Accordingly, the Tribunal’s focus is on determining the outstanding issues between the parties, including rent arrears, compensation for damage, and the disposition of the bond. Background
The tenancy commenced on 18 May 2025. The weekly rent was $600 and the bond paid was $2,240.
The landlord filed this application on 12 January 2026 seeking termination of the tenancy on the basis that the tenants were at least 21 days in rent arrears. The landlord had issued a 14-day notice to remedy rent arrears on 23 December 2025. The notice required the tenants to pay the outstanding rent by 6 January 2026. The landlord says the arrears were not remedied. The landlord also sought compensation for replacement of locks and repair of a broken glass panel.
The tenancy has since ended on 17 February 2026. The landlord seeks rent arrears to that date together with compensation for damage and costs incurred as a result of the tenants’ conduct. Legal Framework
Under section 40(1)(a) of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (“RTA”) tenants must pay rent when it falls due. Failure to pay rent constitutes a breach of the tenancy agreement.
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) RTA.
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. Rent Arrears
The landlord provided a rent summary confirming that rent arrears accrued during the tenancy and remained unpaid when the tenants vacated the property.
The evidence establishes that the tenancy ended on 17 February 2026 and that rent arrears owing to that date total $5,400.
There was no evidence before the Tribunal of any payment made by the tenants toward these arrears. On the evidence provided, I am satisfied the rent ledger accurately records the arrears.
The landlord’s claim for rent arrears of $5,400 is therefore established. Lock Replacement
The landlord seeks $193.79 for replacement locks.
The landlord gave evidence that the locks were damaged and the tenants failed to return the keys when they vacated the premises. As a result, the landlord considered it necessary to change the locks for security purposes. An invoice confirming the cost of replacement locks was provided.
The cost claimed is supported by the invoice and is reasonable. The landlord’s claim for $193.79 is established. Broken Glass
The landlord also seeks $110 for repair of a broken glass panel.
Photographs provided by the landlord show that the glass was broken during the tenancy.
Although no written invoice was produced, the landlord gave evidence that oral quotes had been obtained for repair and that the amount claimed reflects the reasonable cost of the repair.
The photographs establish that the damage occurred and there is no evidence suggesting that it resulted from fair wear and tear. Damage of this nature is consistent with tenant-caused damage rather than ordinary use of the premises.
I accept the landlord’s evidence regarding the estimated repair cost and am satisfied that the amount claimed is reasonable in the circumstances. The claim of $110 is therefore allowed. Carpet Repair
The landlord claims $375 for repair of carpet damage.
Photographs show staining and damage to the carpet, including marks consistent with animal urine. The landlord also provided a repair quote of $375 for repair of the damaged carpet.
I am satisfied that the damage shown in the photographs exceeds fair wear and tear and is attributable to the tenants or their associates.
The repair cost of $375 is supported by the quote provided and is reasonable. The landlord’s claim for this amount is established. Rubbish Removal
The landlord also claims $600 for removal of rubbish left at the premises after the tenants vacated.
Photographs were provided showing rubbish left on the property after the tenancy ended. The landlord says the tenants were asked several times to remove the rubbish but failed to do so.
Tenants are required under section 40(1)(e) of the Act to leave the premises reasonably clean and tidy at the end of the tenancy. Leaving significant quantities of rubbish at the property constitutes a breach of this obligation.
The landlord advised that he personally undertook the work of removing and disposing of the rubbish.
Where a landlord performs work themselves rather than engaging contractors, the Tribunal may still allow reasonable compensation for the time and costs involved in remedying the tenant’s breach.
Taking into account the extent of the rubbish shown in the photographs and the time likely required to remove and dispose of it, the amount claimed is reasonable. The landlord’s claim for $600 is allowed. Bond
The bond paid for the tenancy was $2,240.
Given the tenants’ liability for rent arrears and compensation, the bond will be applied toward the amounts owed to the landlord. Filing Fee
As the landlord has wholly succeeded with the claim, I must reimburse the filing fee.

Tenancy Tribunal case 5424189 — Rent arrears at 448 Tauwhare Road, Matangi, Hamilton 3284

At a glance

Tenancy Tribunal case 5424189 — Rent arrears at 448 Tauwhare Road, Matangi, Hamilton 3284

At a glance

Award balance

Claims & awards

Order

Reasons

Topics & place

Residential Tenancies Act sections

Key findings

Frequently asked questions

Award balance

Claims & awards

Order

Reasons

Topics & place

Residential Tenancies Act sections

Key findings

Frequently asked questions