Lauren Douglass is seto to her unit in Clayfield and move on after a tenant left her $50,000 out of pocket. Picture: Josh Woning
A first-time homebuyer who had rented out a unit in Clayfield is selling her apartment to leave behind the tortured memories of a tenant who left her up to $50,000 out of pocket.
Lauren Douglass has restored her residence in Montpelier St, Clayfield back to, if not better, than its former self but after the stress of taking the renter to QCAT and engaging lawyers, to recoup her losses, she says it’s time to move on.
Lauren Douglass can smile now but she is almost $50,000 out of pocket after damage caused by her last tenant. Picture: Josh Woning
She first lived in the unit before letting it and she had several “absolutely perfect” tenants until her final lessee.
The damages included more than $9,000 to have the Balinese bamboo flooring replaced and almost $2000 for several security screen doors and there was more than $1,000 rent outstanding.
The couch was heavily damaged and rubbish was strewn across the floor at Montpelier St, Clayfield. Picture: Supplied
The QCAT order was for $11,698 although a spreadsheet for her out-of-pocket expenses, which includes cleaning and removing rubbish, was double that in addition to more than two years of missed potential rent.
“When you add in legal fees to pursue her for the money and also going to QCAT, I am nearly $50,000 out of pocket,” Ms Douglass said.
The courtyard was in disarray after the tenant left Montpelier St, Clayfield unit. Picture: Supplied
“I didn’t rent it out again as I wanted to return it to its former self, but I probably wouldn’t rent a property out again.
“I had several tenants that were absolutely perfect but there has been one bad apple and it has been three years of torture.”
Broken hand rail bathroom. Picture: Supplied
Other costs included $1650 for upholstery, $440 for two visits by a locksmith after the tenant allegedly changed the locks, $1127 for a queen bed and $40 in tip fees.
The only fund Ms Douglass had recouped was $1720 for bond and although she was hopeful of recouping further losses through legal channels, she said.
A damaged kitchen chair was one of many items in need of repair or needing to thrown out. Picture: Supplied
“I’ve had to replace a lot of items and the unit is better now than when I bought it,” Ms Douglass said.
The apartment at 1/11 Montpelier St goes to auction on Saturday and Ms Douglass will live with her fiance’ until the real estate markets settles and they buy a house they will live in.
The restored unit at 1/1 Montpelier St, Clayfield. It goes to auction on Saturday. Picture: Supplied.
Ray White Ascot agent Alexander Shean said it’s an impressive residence given the amount that has been spent bringing back to life.
“It’s in a very desirable location,” Mr Shean said.
“It’s superbly presented and the courtyard is the big selling feature.”
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