Lior Manheim v Helen Caredes [2015] NSWCATCD 55

Civil and Administrative Tribunal New South Wales Medium Neutral Citation: Lior Manheim v Helen Caredes [2015] NSWCATCD 55 Hearing dates: 16 April 2015 Decision date: 28 April 2015 Jurisdiction: Consumer and Commercial Division Before: S Corley, General Member Decision: 1. Pursuant to s 187 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2010, I order the Respondent to pay the Applicant $357.72 on or before 11 May 2015. 2. Pursuant to s 187 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2010, I order the Respondent to pay the Applicant $50.00 compensation for electrician's fees on or before 11 May 2015. 3. The applicant's claim is otherwise dismissed. Catchwords: Repairs, mould, water usage Legislation Cited: Residential Tenancies Act 2010 Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013 Cases Cited: Northern Sandblasting Pty Ltd v Harris (1997) 146 ALJR 254. Category: Principal judgment Parties: Lior Manhem (applicant-tenant) Helen Caredes (respondent-landlord) Representation: Applicant in person Sonia Leal of Niche Portfolio (Respondent) File Number(s): RT 15/10474 Publication restriction: Unrestricted

REASONS FOR DECISION

THE APPLICATION 1. Application RT 15/10474 was lodged on 1 March 2015 by Mr Manheim ("the tenant") who occupied the rental property under a residential tenancy agreement with Ms Caredes ("the landlord"). The tenant claims compensation for losses and damages suffered as a result of mould in the rental premises. 2. The tenant claims that he should receive five months of subsidised rent (30%) this being the period in which they did not have an exhaust fan or light in the bathroom. He also claims compensation for the loss of personal property which he says was mould damaged. 3. In addition, the tenant says he should not have been paying for water usage and he seeks reimbursement of $357.72 paid. 4. The tenant also seeks compensation for payment of an electrician's fees to change light bulbs and investigate the exhaust fan.