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Residential Tenancies Act 1986

The Tenancy Tribunal - Jurisdiction

85: Manner in which jurisdiction is to be exercised

You could also call this:

“The Tribunal decides disputes between landlords and tenants fairly and quickly, focusing on what's right rather than strict legal rules.”

The Tribunal has to handle disagreements between landlords and tenants in a way that is fair and quick. They need to follow the rules in this Act and any other rules made under it.

When the Tribunal decides on a dispute, they look at the general legal principles that apply to the situation. They also consider what is fair and just in that specific case. The Tribunal doesn’t have to stick strictly to technical legal rights or follow exact legal procedures. Instead, they focus on finding a solution that makes sense for the situation.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM95589.

Topics:
Housing and property > Renting
Crime and justice > Courts and legal help
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84: Jurisdiction of Tribunal generally exercisable by any Tenancy Adjudicator, or

“Any Tenancy Adjudicator can make decisions for the Tribunal, but sometimes the boss Adjudicator can choose who deals with certain cases.”

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86: Filing of applications, or

“How to start a case with the Tribunal by submitting a form and paying a fee”

Part 3 The Tenancy Tribunal
Jurisdiction

85Manner in which jurisdiction is to be exercised

  1. Subject to the provisions of this Act and of any regulations made under this Act, the Tribunal shall exercise its jurisdiction in a manner that is most likely to ensure the fair and expeditious resolution of disputes between landlords and tenants of residential premises to which this Act applies.

  2. The Tribunal shall determine each dispute according to the general principles of the law relating to the matter and the substantial merits and justice of the case, but shall not be bound to give effect to strict legal rights or obligations or to legal forms or technicalities.