Dunedin Students Demand Changes to Tenancy Tribunal System

Students at the University of Otago in Dunedin are expressing serious concerns about the effectiveness of the Tenancy Tribunal in resolving disputes with landlords. Many students, like second-year student Zoe Eckhoff, have encountered significant challenges when facing uninhabitable living conditions or unfair withholding of bond payments. They argue that the tribunal is not adequately serving their needs.

Eckhoff recently won a case against her landlord after discovering her new rental flat in a deplorable state. She reported issues such as plants growing from the gutters and curtains covered in mould. Despite her victory, Eckhoff emphasized that her success was largely due to the support of her parents and the ability to hire legal counsel. She noted that many students lack such resources and find the tribunal process overwhelmingly difficult to navigate.

Moving into the flat on Queen St last year, Eckhoff and her flatmates anticipated a typical student living experience. Instead, they were met with a property that they deemed uninhabitable, prompting them to refuse to move in. The lengthy tribunal process took a toll on Eckhoff’s mental health and academic performance. “I had to take time off lectures, get extensions on assignments, and miss out on many student experiences,” she said.

While she managed to secure alternative accommodation, Eckhoff’s legal battle has lingering effects as she searches for new rentals. She expressed concern that previous tribunal involvement may deter prospective landlords. “I wonder if being vocal about my tenancy issues has impacted my chances of securing a new place,” she remarked.

Another student, who wished to remain anonymous, is still struggling to reclaim her bond from a previous landlord since vacating the property in June 2023. She indicated that she had not received an explanation for the withheld funds. Like Eckhoff, she credited her parents’ support for helping her pursue the tribunal process, stating, “I actually failed a paper last semester because of all of this.”

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Otago, Grant Robertson, echoed the students’ frustrations, stating that the Tenancy Tribunal presents significant challenges for many. “I think anyone who has rented knows that the Tenancy Tribunal is a difficult environment, and a lot of people give up because it’s just hard,” he said. Robertson called for reforms to simplify the process and better uphold tenants’ rights.

He suggested that the Otago University Students Association could assist students in navigating the tribunal. The association can guide them through the complex procedures, providing essential support.

In response to the students’ concerns, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) released a statement highlighting available resources for tenants. The ministry emphasized that tenants can access information through the Tenancy Services website and the MBIE Service Centre. Additionally, the organization facilitates mediation between landlords and tenants to resolve conflicts in a less formal setting.

MBIE underscored the importance of open communication between tenants and landlords, encouraging tenants to address issues promptly to facilitate quicker resolutions. The ministry regularly collaborates with tenant and landlord organizations, including the Otago University Students Association, to improve processes and support.

As student experiences reveal the difficulties associated with the Tenancy Tribunal, many are calling for urgent reforms to ensure that the rights of tenants are adequately protected. The voices of students like Eckhoff and her peers highlight the pressing need for a more accessible and supportive rental environment in Dunedin.