We all have seen rental properties trashed after an eviction has taken place.
However, rarely do we experience a property trashed whilst it is vacant.
Jackie, a property manager from Melbourne shared this concerning story with us, and the photos below:
“Our poor landlord was just completing a full property paint, new installation of blinds, and other general improvements during the vacant period. On returning to work at the property on Monday he came in to find it had been broken into and some kids had gone absolutely mental inside.
Not only was every room covered in paint from floor to ceiling, including down drains, toilets, and the oven – they had also destroyed all the new curtains and most fittings and fixtures, not to mention what they left behind on the stovetop! (Thanks Jackie- we left out this photo simply because it was too shocking to show!)
Also, how’s this for forward-thinking? The kids removed the smoke detectors in preparation for lighting a fire in the lounge room!
After police inspection and even the local newspaper coming down to take some snaps, a quick insurance claim had been made and the landlord is pleased to find he is fully covered for what is expected to be over $60,000 worth of damage as well as loss of rent in the interim.
And the moral of the story? “Pays to have insurance!”
Thanks, Jackie for sharing your story and these pics.