Abdel-Messih v Field
[2016] NSWCATAP 95
At a glance
Source factsCourt
NCAT Appeal Panel
Decision date
2016-03-08
Source
Original judgment source is linked above.
Judgment (11 paragraphs)
Introduction
- Mr Bishoy Abdel-Messih, the appellant, is the head tenant in a property at 4804/91-95 Liverpool Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. On 15 May 2015 the Appellant entered into a residential tenancy agreement for a fixed term of six months. The appellant received written permission from the landlord's agent to sublet all or part of the premises and promptly entered into a residential tenancy agreement with the respondent. On 16 May 2015 the respondent moved into one of the bedrooms for an agreed $550 per week.
- On 15 September 2015 the appellant lodged an application with the Tribunal in the Consumer and Commercial Division (the Tribunal or Tribunal below) seeking damages under sections 187(1)(c) and 187(1)(d) of the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (the RT Act). The appellant alleged that the respondent had sexually harassed and deterred his co-tenants, assaulted the appellant and that such conduct constituted a nuisance amounting to a breach of the residential tenancy agreement. As a result of the alleged breach the appellant has allegedly suffered loss and damage in the sum of $6,109.49 for loss of rent, advertising fees and cleaning costs.
- The appellant's application was dismissed and reasons for the dismissal were published on 22 October 2015.
- On 2 December 2015 the appellant lodged a notice of appeal seeking to appeal the decision of the Tribunal. The appeal was heard on 8 March 2016 with the appellant representing himself and the respondent not appearing. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Appeal Panel reserved its decision.
- For the reasons set out below the Appeal Panel has allowed the appeal and made orders under sub-sections 81(1)(e) of the Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013 (NCAT Act) setting aside the decision of the Tribunal and remitting the matter for hearing on the question of damages, either with or without further evidence, in accordance with the directions of the Tribunal.