Tenancy Tribunal Orders Compensation for Dog Urine Odour

Auckland’s Tenancy Tribunal has mandated that tenants Robin Smith and Yang Soon Cho compensate their landlord nearly NZD 5,845 due to the unpleasant odour of dog urine in a North Shore property. The odour was so persistent that attempts to replace the carpet failed to eliminate it entirely.

The tribunal’s ruling highlights the extensive costs incurred by the landlord, whose identity remains confidential. The majority of the compensation is designated for repainting the house to eradicate the lingering smell, along with compensation for lost rental income during the repair period.

In addition to the odour issue, the landlord sought damages for various other cleaning and repair concerns. However, many of these claims were dismissed by the tribunal. It concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prove that the damages exceeded what could be considered fair wear and tear.

This case underscores the significance of maintaining rental properties and the responsibilities that tenants carry regarding their living environments. The tribunal’s decision serves as a reminder to both landlords and tenants about the implications of property upkeep and the potential financial consequences that can arise from neglect.