Tenancy Tribunal

The Tenancy Tribunal is the specialist body that hears and decides disputes between landlords and tenants under the Residential Tenancies Act.

What it handles

Bond disputes, rent arrears, damage claims, termination of tenancies, retaliatory notice claims, Healthy Homes breaches, and unlawful acts by either party.

It can hear claims up to $100,000.

Mediation comes first

Tenancy Services usually attempts mediation before a hearing. A mediated agreement can be made binding, and most disputes resolve at this stage. Mediation is faster, cheaper and less adversarial than a hearing.

What landlords should know

• Evidence decides cases. Dated photographs, written communications, inspection records and the tenancy agreement. Verbal accounts rarely prevail against documentation.
• Decisions are published, with names, and they are indexed and searchable online.
• Filing fees are modest, and either party can apply.

Common misunderstanding

The Tribunal is not a rubber stamp for landlords. Claims for fair wear and tear, improperly lodged bonds, defective notices, and Healthy Homes non-compliance are routinely dismissed or turned against the landlord.

Procedural mistakes lose otherwise good cases. An incorrectly served notice, or one with the wrong period, will usually fail regardless of the underlying merits.

Related terms

Sources

• Tenancy Services — Tenancy Tribunal: tenancy.govt.nz

Last reviewed: 1 August 2026 · General information only, not legal advice.

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