A tenant who spent years in a leaking Marton house without functioning hot water has been awarded $48,706.35 in damages and compensation, according to a Tenancy Tribunal decision reported by 1News on 22 October.
The case is a reminder for people navigating New Zealand's rental system that accepting a property in poor condition does not remove a landlord's obligations.
The dispute and the tribunal's finding
1News reports that the tenant described repeated leaks, broken facilities and money spent trying to make the house liveable. The landlord disputed aspects of her account and maintained that the property had been rented on an as-is basis. He also said he could not afford the repairs once a property manager inspected the home.
The tribunal rejected the as-is explanation as an excuse for failing to meet his obligations. The award followed the circumstances of this tenancy; it is not a standard payout for every repair dispute.
What the repair process allows
Tenancy Services says tenants must tell their landlord promptly when something needs repairing or maintaining. If a required repair is not carried out, a 14-day notice to remedy can give the responsible party a formal deadline. Failure to comply can lead to an application to the tribunal.
For urgent disrepair likely to injure someone or damage property, the guidance allows a tenant to arrange work and seek reimbursement, provided reasonable attempts were made to tell the landlord first. Keep the circumstances and attempts to make contact documented.
The same guidance says tenants cannot stop paying rent while waiting for repairs. A temporary reduction can be negotiated, but withholding rent is a different step with its own consequences.
Check the home's compliance, too
Tenancy Services says all private rentals were required to meet healthy homes standards from 1 July 2025, subject to applicable exemptions. The standards cover heating, insulation, ventilation, drainage and moisture, and draught stopping.
Tenants can request compliance information, which the landlord must provide within 21 days. A dated record of defects, messages and receipts can help explain the problem if it remains unresolved.
Housing briefing. Checked 22 October 2026. The case summary follows 1News reporting of a September tribunal decision; individual claims depend on their facts.
