Massimo Fazzalari, a homeowner in Adelaide, is advocating for enhanced protections for landlords following significant damage caused by former tenants in his Pooraka rental unit, which amounting to $50,000. Fazzalari rented the property to a family of four, hoping to venture into the rental market for the first time. However, just six months into the lease, the unit failed a rental inspection in January due to poor maintenance.
Fazzalari reported that the tenants stopped paying rent 10 weeks later, leaving the property in a shocking state. He lamented that the unit was uninhabitable and highlighted the unmet needs of families in search of housing, expressing frustration at the situation. Following these events, he sought recourse through the South Australia Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT), claiming $10,000 in unpaid rent and $50,000 for the damages. In April, an agreement was reached allowing the tenants to remain until June.
Critics have voiced concern that recent legislation aimed at safeguarding renters may have overly restricted landlords’ rights. Independent MP Frank Pangallo noted that property owners are feeling increasingly vulnerable. Although SACAT facilitated the tenants’ extended stay, Fazzalari expressed a sense of helplessness, feeling compelled to allow them to remain in the property despite the substantial damage. He lamented, “I want nothing to do with houses ever again,” indicating his disappointment with the experience.