Bruce Lehrmann fights alleged property damage bill at Sydney home Channel 7 rented for him

Bruce Lehrmann is fighting allegations he and his dog caused more than $19,000 damage to a luxury Sydney home Channel 7 rented for him. See the details of the claim.

Law student Bruce Lehrmann has sought the help of high-profile lawyer Zali Burrows to fight allegations he and his dog caused more than $19,000 damage to a luxury Sydney home Channel 7 had rented for him as part of an exclusive TV interview deal.

Mr Lehrmann asked the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) on Thursday for permission for Ms Burrows to represent him saying Matilda Meakes, the daughter of the landlord had made malicious and harmful comments about him in the media.

The landlord known as Lady Gaenor Meakes has alleged damage caused to the Balgowlah home included dog urine on the carpet, a burn mark on the dining room table, chewed outdoor cushions, doormats and a medicine ball.

Bruce Lehrmann emerges from court. Picture: Getty

It was alleged a de-flea treatment was needed at the West Street property as well as steaming cleaning of the lounge and replacement of mattresses because of urine stains.

The Balgowlah property where he stayed. Picture: Supplied

It was claimed that Lady Meakes is also seeking five weeks rent at $2600 a week because it took five weeks for the property to be repaired and put back up for rent – even though the property is now being advertised for rent for only $1995.

Lady Gaenor Meakes launched proceedings against Bruce Lehrmann with her daughter Matilda. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

Inside the Balgowlah home. Picture: Supplied

It was claimed the damage cost almost $20,000 to fix, way above the $10,000 bond paid when Mr Lehrmann moved in.

The application from Mr Lehrmann said “This tenancy matter has attracted much unprecedented and negative media attention.

“The harmful media articles have been exacerbated by the Applicant’s daughter and

representative, Ms Matilda Meakes.

One of the bedrooms at the Balgowlah home. Picture: Supplied

“Numerous articles dated 12 June 2024 quote Matilda Meakes: “Lady Meakes’ daughter Matilda, a paralegal who appeared at the tribunal on behalf of her mum, told reporters “It’s been a ride”.

“When asked by reporters if her family was aware Lehrmann was the tenant of the

property, Ms Meakes replied: “I don’t think anyone would willingly rent to him, would they? …

A property with a view .... at Balgowlah. Picture: Supplied

“I am of the view that I will not be able to deal directly with the Applicant in these

proceedings given the comments made to media (as above), as I regard these comments as malice and to cause me harm. Hence it is in my best interests to be

represented in these proceedings by a legal practitioner to effectively deal with the Applicant,” Mr Lehrmann’s application said.

Ms Burrows said all claims would be vigorously defended.

Mr Lehrmann was unable to attend the tribunal hearing.

General Tribunal Member Susan Corley found that the NCAT did not have the jurisdiction to hear the claim from Lady Meakes because Mr Lehrmann was not a resident of NSW at the time the claim was filed.

There is also a $15,000 limit on amounts that can be claimed in NCAT proceedings.

The matter will now have to be referred to the Local Court.

Originally published as Bruce Lehrmann fights alleged property damage bill at Sydney home Channel 7 rented for him