The Tenancy Tribunal and Tenancy Services deal with disputes about residential tenancies (rented homes including boarding houses) and unit title disputes. The tribunal holds hearings to settle the disputes.
Before coming to the tribunal, you can try to settle your dispute through mediation. The mediation is run by Tenancy Services, which is part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
Tribunal hearings are informal. The tribunal makes decisions about each dispute based on the general principles of the law and the merits and justice of the case. It doesn’t have to follow strict legal technicalities.
Hearings are run by adjudicators
Hearings are heard by unbiased and independent tenancy adjudicators. Most adjudicators are lawyers. They’re appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Ministers of Justice and Housing.
Tenancy Services and District Courts both support the tribunal
While Tenancy Services is the main point of contact for the Tenancy Tribunal, its day-to-day work is supported by both Tenancy Services and District Court staff.
Tenancy Services:
accepts tenancy or unit title applications
runs a mediation service
schedules the first hearing if mediation fails or is not used
provides information, education and advice on tenancy and unit title matters
administers residential tenancy bonds.
District Court case officers:
support the tribunal and the adjudicators
liaise with the people involved once an application is filed at the court
sort out applications for adjournments (delays to hearings)