A rogue tenant has left an ageing Levin couple thousands of dollars out of pocket - and saddled with a mountain of rubbish at their property.
Mohi Te Purei Parker, 82, and Piki Parker, 75, were forced to pay for multiple skip bins to cart away a mountain of rubbish scattered inside and out that had everything but a kitchen sink. Even the toilet lid was broken.
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Just some of the debris left behind at the Levin property. Photo / Paul Williams
The quaint lifestyle block had been a family home for the Parkers for more than 20 years, but they moved to Porirua last year and decided to rent the three-bedroom home for $250 a week.
The couple said they would think twice before renting the house again. They were still chasing thousands of dollars in unpaid rent.
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The couple needed multiple skips to take the rubbish away. Photo / Paul Williams
A Tenancy Tribunal order showed they were still owed $3113 as the tenant had ceased paying rent months ago.
"It's just not fair. We didn't deserve this," she said.
Mohi Parker said the tenant had been a lawnmowing contractor and had brought home lawn clippings and green waste each day and scattered them all over the property during their eight-month stay.
Neighbours had helped with the clean up, for which they were grateful, she said.
The tribunal heard the tenant had until midnight last Tuesday to collect his belongings.
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Paint tubs and all sorts of containers were included in the pile. Photo / Paul Williams
The Parkers had decided once they had finished cleaning they would move back into the house themselves - and would not rent it out again.
They were keen to create more happy memories.
"It's home," she said.
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