Navigating the world of rental properties can often feel like a treacherous journey, especially when faced with unscrupulous landlords and subpar living conditions. But one woman's story of perseverance and justice serves as a beacon of hope for tenants everywhere, particularly for our senior community who may feel vulnerable in such situations.

Charisse's ordeal began when she and her family, including her elderly parents, moved into a rental property in Officer, Victoria. What should have been a new chapter in their lives quickly turned into a 'nightmare' as they contended with a flooded home, algae on the verandah, and mould in the bedrooms. Despite the clear health hazards and repeated pleas for help, the landlord's response was woefully inadequate.

Charisse wins the case and gets a $2,800 bond back plus extra compensation for poor living conditions. Credit: Facebook

The situation escalated to the point where Charisse's father tragically passed away, with a 'black mass' found in his lung that the medical examiner suggested could be related to mould exposure. This heartbreaking outcome underscores the critical importance of safe and healthy living conditions, particularly for the elderly, who are more susceptible to the adverse effects of mould and dampness.

After enduring nearly a year of these conditions and then being denied her $2,800 bond over a 'ridiculous' claim that the lawns weren't mowed, Charisse took her battle to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). Her determination was fueled by the injustice she felt, not just for the loss of the bond but for the landlord's failure to provide a habitable environment for her family.

The battle was arduous, with the case being postponed seven times. However, Charisse's meticulous preparation, which included nearly 200 pages of evidence, paid off. The judge ruled in her favour, awarding not only the return of the bond but also four weeks' worth of rent as additional compensation, totalling around $5,000.

Charisse's victory is a testament to the power of tenants' rights and the importance of understanding and utilising them. In Victoria, the Residential Tenancies Act sets minimum standards for rental properties, including the absence of mould or dampness caused by the building structure. Yet, research by Tenants Victoria and the Consumer Policy Research Centre indicates that a significant number of properties fail to meet these standards.

For our senior readers who may be renting, this story is a reminder that you have rights and there are avenues to seek redress when those rights are violated. It's crucial to document all communication with landlords or agents, report issues promptly, and gather evidence if problems are not addressed.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, consider the following steps:

1. Document everything: Keep a detailed record of all issues, correspondence, and attempts to resolve the problems with your landlord or property manager.
2. Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with your state's tenancy laws and the protections they offer.
3. Seek advice: Contact tenant advocacy groups or legal aid services for guidance on how to proceed with your case.
4. Be persistent: Don't be discouraged by delays or setbacks in the tribunal process. Your perseverance can lead to a fair outcome.

Charisse's story is not just a personal triumph but a rallying cry for all tenants to stand up for their rights. It's a reminder that, while the process may be daunting, justice can and will prevail. So, if you're facing rental woes, take heart from Charisse's success and remember that you're not alone in your fight for a safe and decent home.

Key Takeaways

• Charisse won her case against her landlord, securing the return of her $2,800 bond and additional compensation after living in substandard conditions.
• The property in which Charisse lived had severe issues with flooding, mould, and dampness, leading to unhealthy living conditions.
• Despite the strong rental rights in Victoria, the case highlights the challenges tenants face when landlords fail to maintain their properties.
• Charisse encourages other tenants to pursue justice through tribunals, as her experience proved that the legal process can be fair and worth the effort.

Have you or someone you know faced similar challenges with a rental property? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below. Your story could inspire others to take action and fight for their rights as tenants.

 

[Dynamo]

Horrific mould conditions and landlord does not remedy and loss of her father's life. Just so tragic for this family.

 

[Ezzy]

A well deserved victory for her. She paid a heavy toll though.
Sadley she endured those conditions for nearly 12 months because of the scrupulous real estate agent.

 

[darrellh]

I don't feel the family was compensated enough for what they went through and for losing their father. But good on her for keeping up the fight. She should never have had to go through that in the first place.

 

[novezar]

I reckon that if a landlord seeks the involvement of a real estate agency to handle their rental, the real agency should be made to inspect the premisses for proper habitation standard. If the property doesn't come up to standard, they shouldn't take the property on their books.

There should be a law to the effect, that, if an agency takes on such undesirable housing, then they, themselves should be held responsible for any missgivings of the property in question as with the landlord.

That'd smarten up a lot of dodgy agencies.

Why can't respective renters see the obvious health hazards on their inspection of same prior to signing any rental agreement. The existing health hazards would be extremely visible, to say the least, as in this particular case.

 

[Sylvsptr]

I reckon that if a landlord seeks the involvement of a real estate agency to handle their rental, the real agency should be made to inspect the premisses for proper habitation standard. If the property doesn't come up to standard, they shouldn't take the property on their books.

There should be a law to the effect, that, if an agency takes on such undesirable housing, then they, themselves should be held responsible for any missgivings of the property in question as with the landlord.

That'd smarten up a lot of dodgy agencies.

Why can't respective renters see the obvious health hazards on their inspection of same prior to signing any rental agreement. The existing health hazards would be extremely visible, to say the least, as in this particular case.

Sometimes this happens after you have been in the property for a while. the issue is all fixed before the property is rented, but it doesnt take long for it to re appear after youve moved in!!!!!!

 

[Ezzy]

Sometimes this happens after you have been in the property for a while. the issue is all fixed before the property is rented, but it doesnt take long for it to re appear after youve moved in!!!!!!

Do you think the job was done on a band-aid budget, just enough to get it rented again?