Christchurch landlord ordered to pay $5700 to workmate after renting out his garage
A Christchurch landlord has been ordered to pay $5700 after illegally renting his garage to a workmate. The Tenancy Tribunal ruled the garage was not a legal residential premise and the landlord had breached tenancy laws.
Why it matters
The case underscores the legal risks of informal housing arrangements and the protections available to tenants under tenancy law.
Regie Caballero rented his garage to his workmate, who unlawfully lived in it for $150 a week.
A man who admitted he knew his garage could not legally be used as a home nevertheless rented it to a workmate who was desperate for somewhere to live.
Regie Caballero said he was simply doing the man a favour after he “begged” him for a place to stay.
He charged $150 a week, including Wi-Fi and electricity, but, when he became concerned about the tenant’s power use, he sought to increase the rent by $10.
After seeking advice from Community Law, the tenant discovered the arrangement was unlawful and applied to the Tenancy Tribunal for compensation, a rent refund and exemplary damages.
In his decision, tribunal adjudicator John Greene said it was self-evident that a car garage was unlawful residential premises.
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