THE Nasinu Magistrate’s Court has ordered a local garage operator to pay $10,500 in rental arrears to his landlord following a breach of a tenancy agreement.
Magistrate Jone Bale delivered the judgment against Niumaia Rawaqavanua, trading as “I Fix It Automotive”, after he failed to appear in court or defend the civil claim brought by landlord Dalip Kumar.
The court was told that Kumar leased a portion of his Khalsa Rd property in Naitasiri to Mr Rawaqavanua for a one-year term commencing March 3, 2025, at an agreed monthly rent of $1500 for the operation of a motor vehicle bodywork and painting garage.
However, Mr Rawaqavanua defaulted on payments starting in July 2025. Despite formal notices of breach and legal demand letters, the outstanding rent accumulated to $10,500 by March 2026.
In his ruling, Magistrate Bale satisfied himself that a valid contract existed under the Indemnity, Guarantee and Bailment Act, relying on a signed application for consent to sublease bearing Mr Rawaqavanua’s signature.
While Mr Kumar sought an additional $4500 for unpleaded post-tenancy rent alongside general and punitive damages, Magistrate Bale declined those claims, holding that damages in contract are strictly compensatory and bound by the initial pleadings.
Magistrate Bale ordered Mr Rawaqavanua to pay the $10,500 judgment sum, carrying 5 per cent interest per annum from the date of judgment until full payment, plus $1200 in court costs within 30 days.
