Former Smith Collective renter claims bond process caused ‘mental health issues’ for residents at Southport complex

An ex-resident of a Gold Coast residential complex alleges renters had ‘mental health problems’, claiming bonds were unfairly taken. But management say they followed a ‘diligent process’.

A former resident of an embattled Gold Coast residential complex has alleged fellow renters ended up with “mental health problems” after claiming their rental bonds were unfairly taken.

The ex-resident’s allegations come in the wake of Bulletin reports detailing complaints from tenants – at what was the 2018 Commonwealth Games Athletes Village – who said their leases were not renewed after speaking out about problems - which has been denied by a Smith Collective spokesperson.

A whistleblower at the renters’ community has also claimed staff were scarred by how they were told to treat tenants, including not renewing leases of anyone highlighting problems.

A former Smith Collective resident of two years, who asked not to be named, alleged several people who rented there were forced to hand over their full bond to management after their leases ended.

“(They) were stressed, had severe anxiety and ended up with mental health problems from the place because they were being bullied into handing over their bond as they were leaving,” he said.

“I reached out to three people privately and talked them through the process to go to QCAT and the RTA (Residential Tenancies Authority).”

A former resident of an embattled Gold Coast residential complex has alleged fellow renters ended up with ‘mental health problems’.

The former resident alleged the bonds were taken due to wear and tear in the rental properties and that Smith Collective did not refund them as a source of “revenue”.

A Smith Collective spokesman said management and residents followed the same “diligent process” that all landlords and tenants must follow across the industry.

“There has not been any disciplinary action taken by the RTA in relation to bond refunds at Smith Collective,” he said.

“Any portion of a bond is only withheld at Smith Collective for approved purposes such as paying rental arrears, if there is damage to the unit beyond fair wear and tear or if the departing resident has asked to use part of their bond for costs such as cleaning.”

An RTA spokeswoman said she was unable to comment on individual cases or release information about complaints due to privacy and confidentiality.

The Smith Collective in Southport. Picture: Jerad Williams

How to dispute a bond refund

The RTA encourages parties involved in bond refund dispute to first talk to each other to find a resolution. If they cannot agree, the RTA will provide a free dispute resolution service.

If an agreement is reached, both parties will need to sign a bond refund form and the bond is paid out as what is agreed in this process.

If agreement is not reached, a notice of unresolved dispute will be issued. The disputing party will then have the option to apply to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal for a decision on the matter.

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Originally published as Former Smith Collective renter claims bond process caused ‘mental health issues’ for residents at Southport complex