Leaking roof destroyed books, grounds for a tribunal case?

Our Experts Answer:

Landlords are responsible for ensuring the premises are maintained in a reasonable state of repair, and comply with all the relevant health, safety, and building regulations. If the landlord has breached this obligation and, as a result, your possessions have been damaged, you may be entitled to compensation.

From your email, it sounds as if your tenancy has already ended. If that is the case, I suggest that you first write to your previous landlords to request compensation for the damage caused by their failure to repair the roof. If you are not able to reach an agreement with your landlords, you could apply to the Tenancy Tribunal to have the matter resolved.

To discuss your situation further, or for information about a landlords obligations, you can visit the Department’s website (www.dbh.govt.nz), or call 0800 TENANCY (0800 836 262).

The Department of Building and Housing provides information and guidance on building law and compliance, services including weathertight homes, and advice for tenants and landlords.