I have been living in a house for 12 months with the owner of the house. I rent a bedroom. I have never entered into a formal lease or agreement and pay the owner $500 fortnightly in cash.
We share household chores and split the bills. I have a dog also which the owner adores.
Everything has been pretty amicable and harmonious.
2 weeks ago, I was completing my chores, vacuuming the hallway and straightening
the hall rug. At the end of the hall is a Grandfather clock. As I lifted the rug to straighten it, this made the Grandfather clock unbalanced (it was unweighted, so it would rock easily - in hindsight). The Grandfather clock fell on its face. Smashed the glass panelling and did a reasonable amount of damage.
The owner of the house now wants $7000 to replace it. I don’t have $7000. I said to the owner it should be covered under insurance. The owner said it’s not. Only theft and fire are covered. (I said I’m willing to pay the insurance excess - not $7000).
What are my rights in this situation?
Am I liable?
It’s creating a lot of stress and have been threatened with further action and to be taken to VCAT.
Your help will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in confidence.
We share household chores and split the bills. I have a dog also which the owner adores.
Everything has been pretty amicable and harmonious.
2 weeks ago, I was completing my chores, vacuuming the hallway and straightening
the hall rug. At the end of the hall is a Grandfather clock. As I lifted the rug to straighten it, this made the Grandfather clock unbalanced (it was unweighted, so it would rock easily - in hindsight). The Grandfather clock fell on its face. Smashed the glass panelling and did a reasonable amount of damage.
The owner of the house now wants $7000 to replace it. I don’t have $7000. I said to the owner it should be covered under insurance. The owner said it’s not. Only theft and fire are covered. (I said I’m willing to pay the insurance excess - not $7000).
What are my rights in this situation?
Am I liable?
It’s creating a lot of stress and have been threatened with further action and to be taken to VCAT.
Your help will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in confidence.
