Burnley Lodge Fined $27K for Tenancy Breaches, Faces Four-Year Restraining Order
Burnley Lodge Limited, a boarding house operator in Mount Eden, Auckland, has been ordered to pay over $27,000 for violating tenancy responsibilities and failing to meet Healthy Homes Standards. The Tenancy Tribunal issued a four-year restraining order to prevent further breaches. The Tenancy Compliance and Investigations Team (TCIT) lodged an application with the Tenancy Tribunal after discovering serious health and safety issues at the property, including heavy black mould and unapproved bedrooms. Despite multiple warnings and inspections, the landlord failed to address these concerns, leading to the application. The Tribunal found Burnley Lodge Limited acted with intent and had a history of non-compliance. The company was guilty of providing incorrect information on tenancy agreements, mishandling tenant bond payments, and failing to maintain its property or comply with standards. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) was awarded $27,457.94 on behalf of the tenants. The company's director, Jonathan Duncan, had made efforts towards compliance. However, another shareholder, Mark Benjamin, caused significant harm through non-engagement and uncooperative behavior. Burnley Lodge Limited must now pay the penalty and ensure compliance with tenancy obligations and Healthy Homes Standards within the next four years. Failure to do so may result in further legal action.
