$3,300 Loss of Rent Awarded to Landlord

Are you aware that landlords can be awarded 'loss of rent' if re-renting a property is delayed due to a tenant not meeting their obligations under the RTA and failing to leave the property reasonably clean and damage-free? In a recent Tribunal order a Northland landlord was awarded 6 weeks rent or $3,300 because:

• The premises were not available to rent because of extensive and intentional damage which necessitated lengthy repairs
• Landlords can reasonably expect some delays between tenancies for a variety of reasons
• However, the delay in this instance was not within the parameters of ‘usual’ minor repairs and maintenance
• Loss of rental income was a direct and reasonably foreseeable consequence of that damage
• The amount claimed (six weeks) is fair and reasonable

The tenant is liable for that loss and landlords should absolutely include it in any tribunal applications where it is applicable.