Landlord Threatens to Kick Out Kenyan Couple With Expectant Baby in Australia

A Kenyan couple expecting a baby almost got evicted from their rental property in Australia after their landlord argued that they had violated their lease contract. 

Documents from the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) published on Friday, June 9th, revealed that the landlord had threatened to throw them out, alleging the newborn would be an unauthorized resident. The tribunal heard that the Kenyans had notified the landlord of their intention to end the agreement. In her submissions, the expectant mother articulated her desire to move to a bigger house to accommodate their newborn. The landlord responded by stating that arrangements could be made once a new occupant is identified.  

“Kindly let me know how I can break my lease as I need a bigger place to accommodate the baby,” she wrote in an email to the landlord. 

Despite this, the deadline lapsed and the landlord had not found a new tenant. The baby was anticipated to be born almost six weeks before the expiration of the fixed lease. The Landlord then sent a message to the Kenyan couple, warning them that they would be removed for breaking the contract.
 
“To avoid doubt, please note that your lease authorises the two of you as tenants. Your child, once born, is not authorised to be at the premises. Please inform me as to your intentions as bringing a child to reside at the premises is a serious breach of your lease that will result in my instigating eviction proceedings,” the landlord allegedly wrote.

The couple were told to leave abruptly without any explanation. Fortunately, the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal intervened, proclaiming the couple had been unfairly treated. A hearing is set to determine the couple’s ultimate outcome in their dispute with the landlord.