It’s one of the most infamous student flats in the heart of Dunedin’s party scene, but it has come at a cost for some former tenants after they were ordered to pay 10k due to the state of the flat.
The flat, affectionately known as “the castle”, was far from being fit for a king after being the subject of a Tenancy Tribunal hearing.
The landlord received 15k in compensation, and after deducting the tenant’s bond, they were ordered to pay $10,166 after the tribunal sided with the landlord.
The initial claim included $3,744 for cleaning, plus $190 for replacement keys and $167 for plumbing work.
However, the landlord sought almost 12k more for additional damage, which included $8,452 for painting and rubbish removal, $2,964 to replace burnt kitchen vinyl, $265 for a broken bedroom window and $174 for dishwasher repairs after rodents chewed through the hose.
The nine tenants denied intentionally causing damage, disputed the claims and asked for their $5,670 bond back, as well as a rent refund.
They argued the flat was overpriced, already in a rough condition and claimed they were “naive 18-year-olds” who’d been taken advantage of.
The tribunal noted their submission lacked “objective, persuasive, detailed supporting evidence.”
Photo Credit: Stuff
