Did you know that Study Complaints | Ngā Amuamu Tauira can resolve certain types of disputes about student accommodation?
There are different pathways available to students depending on their type of accommodation. Here is a quick overview.
Accommodation through an education provider
If accommodation is part of your contract with an education provider, Study Complaints | Ngā Amuamu Tauira can help. Our role is to resolve financial and contractual matters involving domestic tertiary students or international students and their education providers.
For example, if you are an international student and a homestay has been arranged by your school, you can raise disputes through our service.
We can also help students who have disputes about other types of accommodation provided by their university or other education providers, for example halls of residence and campus accommodation.
If the dispute is about your wellbeing and care while staying in accommodation through your education provider, you can contact the NZQA about any breaches of the Code.
Flatting
Your rights will depend on whether or not you have signed a tenancy agreement.
If you are named on the tenancy agreement with your landlord, you are considered a tenant. See the ‘Renting’ section below to learn about your rights.
If you are not named on the tenancy agreement, you will likely have either a written or verbal agreement with your flatmates that outlines your responsibilities, for example how much your share of the bond is. If a dispute arises between you and the head tenant, that’s usually the person who has signed an agreement with the landlord and who looks after the rent and bond, your options include making a claim to the Disputes Tribunal for your bond or making a claim to the District Court to try get your money back.
Renting
If you rent a property from a landlord, with a written tenancy agreement signed by both you and your landlord, you are likely classed as a tenant. Tenants have certain rights under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.
If issues arise and you cannot work things out together, you can contact the Tenancy Tribunal. You can find out more at https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/disputes/
Boarding
Your options will depend on the nature of your boarding arrangement.
Boarding houses are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 if they are designed for 6 or more tenants, have shared facilities and are intended for stays of 28 days or more. You can raise disputes about boarding houses with the Tenancy Tribunal.
Other boarding situations, for example private boarding where you live with a family or landlord, are not covered by the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 unless you opt-in to this through a written agreement. You can contact the Disputes Tribunal for help to resolve a dispute about a private boarding situation if you are not covered by the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. You can find out more about the Disputes Tribunal at https://www.disputestribunal.govt.nz/