COVID-19 protocol of the Tenancy Tribunal at 6 October 2021

  1. If COVID restrictions are at Level 3 or Level 4 anywhere in New Zealand, in person hearings will be adjourned. Where possible, teleconferences will be convened to progress hearings. If this is not possible, matters will be rescheduled to a date in future. On a case by case basis, in exceptional circumstances, a hearing may proceed in person if directed by the Principal Tenancy Adjudicator.
  2. If COVID restrictions are at Level 2 anywhere in New Zealand in person hearings will continue, complying with the arrangements set out by the Chief Justice on 6 September 2021. Hearings will also proceed by teleconference where arranged.
  3. Parties affected by any change of Tribunal’s usual operating procedures will be advised and provided with information to ensure that they understand how their matter will be handled by the Tribunal.
  4. This protocol applies until revoked or modified by the Tribunal.

J Robson
Principal Tenancy Adjudicator

  

Please note: At COVID-19 Alert Level 1, all Tenancy Tribunal Hearings will be held in person as usual. Where appropriate, teleconferences may still be an option for a party to attend a Tenancy Tribunal hearing.


The Tenancy Tribunal holds hearings to settle disputes between tenants and landlords. It also settles unit title disputes. Before coming to the Tribunal, you can try to settle your dispute through mediation.

Contact the Tribunal through Tenancy Services which is the main point of contact for the Tribunal(external link)

Contact the Tribunal directly if:

  • your hearing is less than 5 days away and you can’t attend
  • you have a question about a rehearing or an appeal.

Legislative changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986

Amendments were made to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (the Act) which aimed to balance the rights and obligations between both landlord and tenant. A number of amendments came into force on 11 February 2021 with some more coming in early August.

The changes affect both Tenancy Services and the Tenancy Tribunal by removing certain provisions from the Act and giving the Tribunal wider powers to how the operate. To find out more information please go to https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/law-changes(external link).

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