Renters received compensation for being kept awake by cockroach problem.

Tenants who had to endure a severe cockroach infestation that kept them up at night have finally been granted compensation for their troubles. The infestation was so bad that it even caused two dishwashers to fail, but it wasn't the only issue they faced in their $1300 a week rental property. The Tenancy Tribunal, which oversees disputes between landlords and tenants, recently released a decision that outlined the tenants' struggles.

According to the tribunal, the six tenants had to live without a working stove for months before being asked to pay for a replacement. They were also threatened with eviction if they did not pay over $700 to replace a toilet that they were accused of breaking. To make matters worse, the landlord had also increased the rent to $1400 within the first year of the tenancy, which is against the law.

The property was managed by PR Property Management Limited on behalf of Bhavika Enterprises Ltd. The tenants provided evidence that the landlord was aware of the cockroach infestation and had promised to treat it before they moved in. However, the landlord failed to provide any evidence that pest control measures were taken before the tenants arrived. The tenants tried to control the infestation themselves by using bug bombs but were unsuccessful.

The cockroach infestation also caused two dishwashers to break down, with the first one not working from the start of the tenancy. The landlord replaced it with a new one, but it also stopped working soon after. An appliance technician confirmed that the infestation was the cause of the breakdowns. Despite this, the landlord did not take any further action to address the issue during the tenancy.

In her decision, tribunal adjudicator Michelle Pollak stated that the tenants had to endure a severe infestation that disrupted their sleep and caused issues with appliances. The infestation was so bad that the tenants had to decontaminate all their belongings before moving out. The tenants also had issues with a faulty gas stove, which made cooking difficult and posed a safety risk.

In February 2023, the landlord asked the tenants to collect a new stove from a residential address and pay $250 to the seller. The tenants refused, and a week later, the landlord delivered it to the property. However, it turned out to be the wrong size, and it took another month before a working stove was installed. The tenants also provided evidence that the landlord had threatened them with eviction if they did not pay for a cracked toilet, but the tribunal found no evidence to support this claim.

The tribunal determined that the landlord was responsible for all the issues faced by the tenants and awarded them $12,640.68 in compensation and damages. This amount included compensation for the time they were without a stove, the landlord's failure to maintain the dishwashers, and the failure to control the cockroaches. The tenants' struggles highlight the importance of landlords fulfilling their responsibilities and maintaining their properties to ensure the well-being of their tenants.

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