Dear Ministry of Justice,

I am looking to get some statistics and information regarding the application of s25 of the Residential Tenancies Act as it is interpreted and applied by the Tenancy Tribunal.

Specifically, I am seeking for every year it is available:

1. How many total applications were made to the Tenancy Tribunal by tenants?
1. How many applications were made in each year by tenants challenging rent levels against s25?
2. How many times in each year has an adjudicator ruled in such cases in favour of the tenant?

Additionally I would like to know:

1. What guidance is provided by the Chief Adjudicator, Tenancy Services or other parties to Adjudicators as to how s25 should be applied and interpreted?
2. As interpreted by the Tribunal, what is the purpose of s25?
3. Can s25 be applied in circumstances where there is a substantial general increase in rents (e.g. recent years in Wellington and Auckland)?

Yours faithfully,

Robert Whitaker