The Tenancy Tribunal in New Zealand: Jurisdiction, Cost, and How to Apply

The Tenancy Tribunal is the specialist body that resolves disputes between landlords and tenants in New Zealand. It can hear claims up to $100,000, charges a $29 application fee, and is designed for people to use without a lawyer.

This page is general information about New Zealand law, not legal advice. For your own situation, consult a lawyer or your local Community Law centre.

What the Tenancy Tribunal is

The Tenancy Tribunal decides disputes arising under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. That covers bond disputes, unpaid rent, damage to the property, repairs and maintenance, and the ending of a tenancy. It sits within the Ministry of Justice, and each case is decided by an independent tenancy adjudicator rather than a judge, though most adjudicators have a legal background.

The Tribunal does not deal with disputes between flatmates who are not named on the tenancy agreement. A flatmate arrangement is not covered by the Residential Tenancies Act, so those disagreements generally go to the Disputes Tribunal instead.

Jurisdiction: what the Tribunal can and cannot order

The Tribunal's jurisdiction is $100,000. It cannot order a party to pay, do work worth, or otherwise incur an expense above that amount, except in limited situations involving multiple tenancies. A claimant with a larger dispute can still use the Tribunal by abandoning the portion of the claim above $100,000, or can take the matter to the District Court instead.

How to apply

Most applications are made online through the Tenancy Tribunal Application tool. First-time applicants register, then log in with a RealMe account to complete the application form and pay the fee. You will need a working email address, your bond number if one applies, and electronic copies of any supporting documents. A paper application form is also available, with the fee paid by internet or phone banking.

The current application fee is $29. Tenancy Services and the Ministry of Justice recommend trying mediation first where possible, since it resolves many disputes without a hearing.

What to expect at a hearing

Tenancy Tribunal hearings are informal compared to a court. They can take place at a court venue, by phone, or through a video meeting, and a preliminary case conference between the adjudicator and both parties often happens first. Each side presents its evidence and the adjudicator decides the case on its merits. Hearings are generally open to the public, and either party may bring a support person, though that person cannot speak during the hearing.

Lawyers and advocates are not normally allowed to represent a party. The Tribunal can grant permission for representation in specific circumstances, including where the amount in dispute is more than $6,000 or where there is a significant disparity between the parties, such as one party having a physical or mental impairment that affects their ability to represent themselves. If one party is granted representation, the other party automatically gets the same right. The Tribunal usually issues a written order within 28 days of the hearing.

Related tenancy topics

For the full picture on renting in New Zealand, see the tenancy and renting hub. If your dispute involves getting your bond back, read bond refund nz. If it involves your rental's heating, insulation, or damp, read healthy homes standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum amount the Tenancy Tribunal can award?

The Tenancy Tribunal's jurisdiction is $100,000. It generally cannot order a party to pay, perform work worth, or otherwise incur an expense above that figure. A claimant with a larger dispute can abandon the amount above $100,000 to stay within the Tribunal, or bring the claim in the District Court instead.

How much does it cost to apply to the Tenancy Tribunal?

The current application fee is $29, paid online or by internet or phone banking when you file. Tenancy Services periodically adjusts this fee, so confirm the current amount on tenancy.govt.nz before you apply.

Can I bring a lawyer to a Tenancy Tribunal hearing?

Not normally. Both landlords and tenants generally represent themselves. The Tribunal can allow representation in limited circumstances, such as a dispute over $6,000 or a significant disparity between the parties that affects one side's ability to represent itself.

How do I apply to the Tenancy Tribunal?

Most people apply online through the Tenancy Tribunal Application tool on tenancy.govt.nz, using a RealMe login to complete the form and pay the fee. A paper application is also available. Mediation through Tenancy Services is offered first and settles many disputes before a hearing is needed.

What disputes go to the Tenancy Tribunal instead of the Disputes Tribunal?

Disputes arising from a residential tenancy agreement, such as bond, rent arrears, damage, repairs, and ending a tenancy, go to the Tenancy Tribunal. Disputes involving a flatmate who is not on the tenancy agreement are not covered by the Residential Tenancies Act and generally go to the Disputes Tribunal instead.