But the shed’s owner disputes that there was ever a residential tenancy relationship. Instead, Chen argued the structure was a storage shed, not a dwelling, and therefore fell outside the tribunal’s jurisdiction. According to the tribunal’s recently released decision, the society terminated the tenancy last August and issued a demand for unpaid rent, giving Chen 30 days to remove the structure and clear the arrears. But Chen insisted the “cabin” had never been used, or was intended to be used as a residence, and was instead used solely for storage purposes. In dismissing the claim, Kan ruled the structure was a shed used for storage, not a “residential premises” as defined under the act.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 07, 2026 14:42 UTC