Untrustworthy landlord

Our Experts Answer:

When considering an application to the Tenancy Tribunal, an adjudicator will consider all the facts and evidence presented in support of a claim and will make an order that it feels is appropriate and fair given the circumstances. You should ensure that your application contains all the relevant documentation that will give your application the best chance of success. You will be given the opportunity to discuss the specifics of your application at the time of the Tribunal Hearing. Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 your landlord is legally required to provide a written copy of a tenancy agreement and receipts for rent paid in cash. Note there is no requirement for receipts to be provided for electronic payments. The landlord must also keep proper records of rent payments made and lodge any bond payment received within 23 working days. Except in a boarding house situation, where a bond of one week rent or less is not required to be lodged. Where  a  landlord  is  found  to  have  breached  these  obligations,  and  where  the  applicant  can demonstrate they have suffered a direct loss or impact as a result of the breach, the Tribunal may, if it feels it is in the public interest to do so, award “exemplary damages” to the applicant.