Fees for Tenancy Tribunal applications  

Who has to pay the $20 fee?

The person lodging the application to the Tenancy Tribunal pays the fee.

Is a fee required for a cross-application?

Yes. A fee is required for any application.

Is the fee refundable?

No, the fee is not refundable.  

Do I have to pay the fee if my case is resolved at mediation and does not go to the Tenancy Tribunal?

Yes. The fee must have been paid before an application is submitted. The mediation process is only initiated when an application is received.  

Do I have to pay again for a rehearing?

No, you only pay for the first application. There is no additional fee for a rehearing or an appeal.

Do I have to pay for advice and information from the Department of Building and Housing?

No. There are no fees for advice and information from our offices. You only pay a fee if you want to make an application to the Tribunal.

Can I claim for fees at the Tribunal as part of a cost claim?

No, you cannot claim the fee as part of a cost claim.  

Can I claim the fee as a tax-deductible business expense?

If you are renting the property as a business to earn income, you will probably be able to deduct the fee. If in doubt, contact Inland Revenue .

What if I cannot afford to pay the fees?

A fee must be paid for all applications to the Tribunal. The Department of Work and Income can provide assistance if the applicant receives income support and meets the criteria for additional assistance. Talk to Work and Income if you are unable to pay the fees.

What about bond disputes brought about as a result of a refund application to the Department of Building and Housing?

If there is a dispute over a bond, such as a disagreement with the bond being paid in part or in full, the Department of Building and Housing will contact both parties (in writing) explaining that the Department  will not pay the bond until:

• the parties come to an agreement and the Department receives another refund application signed by both parties, or
• the Department receives a mediated or Tribunal order as a result of an application having been made to the Tenancy Tribunal.

How is the application relating to a bond dispute made?

Either party can make an application to the Tribunal. The party making the application will need to fill in the application form, pay the fee at any Westpac branch, and send the form to the Department of Building and Housing.

How do I make an application to the Tenancy Tribunal?

Complete a Tenancy Tribunal application form. The Department of Building and Housing can help you fill out the form. However, we will not accept the application until the fee has been paid. Forms can also be obtained from community organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureaux.  

How do I pay the fee?

You can pay the application fee at any Westpac bank or by purchasing pre-paid stickers from the Department of Building and Housing.

Paying at Westpac

Payment can be made at any Westpac branch. Take the application form along with your fee to the bank (you do not have to fill in the form before presenting it). You then mail the application to the Department of Building and Housing and our staff will process it.  

Using application stickers

Larger landlords and property managers can purchase $20 stickers from the Department of Building and Housing corporate office. These are sold in sheets of five for $100.  Complete and print off the publications order form and forward it with your cheque to:

Department of Building and Housing
PO Box 10-729
Wellington
Attn: Tenancy Tribunal applications

For further advice please call (04) 494 0260.