A landlord has found himself in a precarious situation after a court ruled in favor of his tenant, ordering him to pay 1.5 million in damages. The tenant had taken the landlord to court over a dispute regarding a malfunctioning toilet chamber behind the tenant's window, which was causing a foul odor.
The landlord claimed that the tenant had complained about the issue, but he had instructed the tenant to fix it themselves, as they were the ones suffering from the smell. However, the tenant had secretly recorded their conversations, which were later used as evidence in court.
The tenant claimed that the smell from the toilet chamber had affected the health of his children and wife, and even produced medical reports as evidence. The court ultimately ruled in favor of the tenant, ordering the landlord to pay 1.5 million in damages.
The landlord sought advice from human rights activist Atanda, who responded on the Facebook page "The People's Parliament." Atanda commended the tenant for taking bold action and encouraged other tenants to do the same. Atanda emphasized that landlords have a basic responsibility to repair external structures, and failure to do so can result in negative consequences for the tenant.
Atanda advised the landlord that he cannot evict the tenant immediately, as the tenant is still legally bound by their rental agreement. However, the landlord can serve the tenant with a proper notice to quit, which should cover the remaining rent period. Atanda warned the landlord that even if the tenant moves out, the landlord is still obligated to pay the damages.
Regarding the payment of damages, Atanda suggested that the landlord can negotiate a written agreement with the tenant to pay the amount in installments. However, failure to adhere to the agreed payment plan can result in further legal consequences, including additional damages or forfeiture of property.
Atanda concluded by emphasizing that ignorance of the law is no excuse, and landlords must be aware of their responsibilities and obligations to their tenants. The landlord's situation serves as a cautionary tale for landlords to take their responsibilities seriously and maintain a good relationship with their tenants.
In this case, the landlord's failure to repair the malfunctioning toilet chamber and his subsequent dismissal of the tenant's complaints led to a costly court battle. The landlord's actions demonstrate a lack of understanding of his responsibilities as a landlord and a disregard for the well-being of his tenant.
The court's ruling in favor of the tenant sends a strong message to landlords that they will be held accountable for their actions. Tenants have the right to a safe and healthy living environment, and landlords must take their responsibilities seriously to maintain a positive relationship with their tenants.
