A Queensland man has been awarded $5,000 in compensation after being evicted from a rental property in Woody Point that he claimed was “sinking” and riddled with neglected repairs.
The former tenant, Malcolm, alleged that the Moreton Bay property had been steadily deteriorating over his seven-year tenancy, with rotting wood and makeshift supports propping up parts of the structure.
Malcolm claimed he repeatedly informed his leasing agent about the home’s worsening condition, providing photographic evidence of buckling timbers and areas needing attention. However, it wasn’t until a carpenter inspected the roof in May of last year that the agent declared the property “unsafe” and issued an eviction notice for “non-liveability,” giving Malcolm a mere 16 hours to vacate.
Adding insult to injury, the same agent listed the single-storey home for sale just weeks later, describing it as needing “some TLC (or a bulldozer).” The property, located in the desirable coastal suburb of Woody Point, sold for $590,000 and has since been demolished.
Following his eviction, Malcolm took his case to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT), seeking $17,359.50 in compensation to cover moving costs, lost income, and back-paid rent. He argued that the property failed to meet the minimum housing standards that came into effect in Queensland last September, which require rentals to be weatherproof, structurally sound, and in good repair.
While QCAT adjudicator Peter Eardley acknowledged that Malcolm’s enjoyment of the property was “disadvantaged,” he awarded him $5,000, a significantly lower sum than requested. The agent maintained that “all basic repairs were always done.”
This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by tenants in Queensland’s tight rental market. Demand often outstrips supply, leaving renters with limited options and vulnerable to substandard living conditions.
The news comes as renters across Australia see some positive changes in their favour. In Western Australia, new rental reforms introduced in July now limit rent increases to once yearly. They grant tenants the right to have pets and make minor modifications to their rental properties. Premier Roger Cook stated that these changes aim to provide more excellent stability and certainty for tenants, allowing them to “feel more at home where they live.”
Meanwhile, in New South Wales, the government has announced a ban on no-grounds evictions, a move welcomed by tenants’ rights advocates. Premier Chris Minns confirmed that legislation will be introduced later this year to provide renters with greater security and prevent them from facing sudden homelessness without a justifiable reason.
Published Date 02-October-2024
