NSW Tenant Jailed - Legally Obtain Cars for Compensation?

[Whitelynne]

The tenant had been doing illegal business on my property (drug related). I notified the police and they have been jailed for a minimum of 5 years. My property has been raided by the police and trashed; holes in the walls, the ceilings and the floors, soil and equipment sprawled all over the property, carpet pulled out, wires and cords everywhere.

They have left a mess and they also left their cars (with keys) on my property. I was wondering if I could legally obtain the vehicles as compensation to help pay for all the repairs (and cleaning) and/or as an occupation fee.

Thank you

 

[Rod]

Who did the damage, tenants or police?

 

[Whitelynne]

Somewhat both. The tenants pulled out the carpet, created the holes but the police are the ones who trashed the place.

 

[Rod]

Does 'trashed the place' = made almighty mess, no damage? If so, suspect you may have trouble getting a cleaning bill paid by police.

re: Tenants cars - No. Not sure it is a good idea anyway against people like that unless they are locked away. You don't really want drug dealers knocking on your door demanding car keys back - regardless of whether you are right to have the cars or not!

Recommend you follow normal tenant damage procedures through NCAT.