Aspendale tenant goes to VCAT to sue landlord for $50k over broken TV, relocation costs
A stoush between an Aspendale tenant and his landlord has been fought out at VCAT, after the renter sued for a whopping $50,000 over a broken TV and relocation costs while repair work was done on his property.
Inner South
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An Aspendale tenant who sued his landlord for more than $50,000 because a builder broke his TV has had most of his claim dismissed.
The long-running feud between Adam Hassett and his landlord was resolved in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal last month.
The stoush began in March 2018 after, Hassett, who had been living at the home for almost 10 years, requested repairs at the property.
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Hassett went on holiday while the work took place but returned to find his home in “disarray”.
He claimed some of his possessions had been damaged by builders and asbestos dust.
Hassett halted the work on March 26 and has since denied access to his landlord to complete them.
Hassett and his landlord both engaged contractors to conduct asbestos testing in the garage and house.
A small amount of low-risk asbestos was found in the garage but none was found in the house.
Hassett refused to accept these decisions and pursued legal action.
His claim included more than $20,000 for time spent dealing with the issues.
Hassett, who moved to a new house two doors away, also claimed the cost of the move and the difference in rent of the new property — almost $20,000.
VCAT member Katherine Metcalf dismissed most of Hassett’s claims.
“(Hassett) has provided no evidence as to the cost he incurred in relocating or in support of the amount claimed,” she said.
“I do not accept the amount being claimed as reasonable to move almost next door.”
Hassett was awarded $1700 for a TV.
He was also awarded $228.64 for a rent reduction while repairs took place.
A counterclaim by the landlord who wanted the keys and the house vacated was dismissed because the notice to vacate was not valid.
The landlord claimed Hassett has not returned the keys, continues to store items in the garage and has not paid rent since August 2018.
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