Tenancy Tribunal Case Study: What We Learned

We don't go to court often, but we do a good job for our clients when we do!

by Carrie Metcalfe on Mar 06, 2026
Article appears under: iRentProperty, Property Management

If you’re an iRentProperty client, you’re in good hands with legal matters because our team includes a Legal Executive! In the unlikely event an issue gets to the Tenancy Tribunal, we are well equipped to represent you.

We are quite proud that iRentProperty tenancy matters only rarely make it all the way to the tribunal. Most matters are resolved through Mediation Orders, so we avoid formal adjudicated hearings.

Despite that, we do sometimes wind up at the Tribunal on your behalf; here are a few insights from recent visits.

1. Be Patient

The Tenancy Tribunal is under the pump right now, so it can take a long time to schedule a hearing. For you, it can be a better and faster outcome to try and sort things out with your tenants.

For example, tenants who face eviction due to rent arrears may stop paying rent while waiting for a hearing date, or they could even damage your property. After the hearing, debt collection is expensive and slow, so our aim is to manage situations to minimise damage and collect as much compensation for you in a short time frame.

We will provide guidance on whether pursuing a hearing or seeking an earlier settlement is the most practical option.

2. Accurate Documentation Is Critical

Strong documentation can make or break a Tribunal case.

The Tribunal will not accept bank statements as proof of rent records. Instead, accurate rental ledgers are required to clearly show rent due and arrears calculated to the day.

We keep professional rent records and detailed inspection reports, including clear photographic evidence. This standard of documentation significantly strengthens our clients’ cases when issues arise. Without this, claims for rent arrears or property damage are far less likely to succeed.

3. Tribunal Decisions Are Not Always Black and White

One recent case highlighted that Tribunal outcomes are not always straightforward.

Recently a claim for exemplary damages for an unlawful activity was unsuccessful because the tenant testified that they were unaware of the activity that had occurred in the property. While it’s written in the Residential Tenancies Act that tenants are responsible for the actions of their guests, the Adjudicator did not approve the exemplary damages claim.

However, some of the costs associated with the activity were still awarded, demonstrating that outcomes can be nuanced rather than all-or-nothing.

Final Thoughts

While Tribunal applications remain uncommon for our clients, these cases reinforce the importance of good documentation, strategic decision-making, and experienced representation.

At iRentProperty, our goal is always to prevent issues however is resolution is needed, we will always aim to resolve issues early, protecting both your property and your investment.