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PHOTO: Ballarat Real Estate has been running for 40 years. (ABC Ballarat: Rochelle Kirkham)

Michael Dean’s Nightmare with Tenants: Goats, Odors, and Unfulfilled Promises

Introduction

When Michael Dean decided to rent out his property, he never imagined the horror that would follow. Instead of responsible tenants, he found goats in the backyard and a stench inside the house so terrible it caused a visitor to vomit. This unsettling incident was just one of many allegations against Ballarat Real Estate, an agency now under investigation for alleged unethical and improper conduct.

The Goat House Fiasco

Michael Dean’s property nightmare began when a friend alerted him to the shocking state of his rental home. Goats were tied to the back verandah, and an old car was being used as a skip bin. Despite assurances from Ballarat Real Estate that the property was in “good” condition, Dean discovered a completely different reality.

A man outside a house.

Michael Dean says he had a negative experience as a landlord that significantly affected his life.(ABC Ballarat: Rochelle Kirkham)

“The house at the end was unliveable,” Dean lamented. The smell and stains on the roof, walls, and floors, coupled with makeshift butcher’s knives and stables in the backyard, led him to believe the tenants were slaughtering and cooking goats on the property. The situation was so dire that a tow truck driver vomited due to the stench while removing the old car.

Goats in the backyard of a property.

Michael Dean said he saw goats in the backyard of his rental property that was being managed by Ballarat Real Estate. (Supplied)

Financial and Emotional Toll

Restoring the property cost Michael Dean approximately $50,000. He believes Ballarat Real Estate breached their duty of care by failing to conduct proper inspections. The stress of cleaning up the mess while studying full-time and working two jobs was overwhelming. “It was life-altering but it shouldn’t have been. No one should have their life turned upside down by being a landlord,” he said.

Stables in a back yard.

Michael Dean found what he believed to be makeshift stables at the back of his property while it was being managed. (Supplied)

Broader Allegations Against Ballarat Real Estate

Michael Dean is not alone. He is one of ten people who have spoken to the ABC about their negative experiences with Ballarat Real Estate. Eight of these individuals have filed complaints with Consumer Affairs Victoria, which is currently investigating the agency. The allegations range from rental property mismanagement to misleading sales estimates and unprofessional conduct during sales campaigns.

A man points to a wall.

Michael Dean points to areas in the house where he remembers unknown substances covering the walls. (ABC Ballarat: Rochelle Kirkham)

Misleading Sales Estimates

Jonathan (surname withheld for privacy) experienced a different but equally troubling issue. When he listed his Ballarat home for sale, he was excited about a new career opportunity in Queensland. Initially impressed by Ballarat Real Estate’s high price estimate, Jonathan soon realized he had been misled. The agent later pressured him to accept offers nearly $100,000 less than the original estimate.

Jonathan’s interactions with other agents revealed a much lower market value, leading him to believe Ballarat Real Estate had over-quoted to secure a contract. The experience caused him significant personal stress, career disruption, and financial loss.

A man with a short, dark beard, wearing a beige top, sitting at a table with some papers.

Jonathan believes Ballarat Real Estate over-quoted the value of his property.(Supplied)

Mismanaged Sales Campaigns

Don Mead also had a frustrating experience with Ballarat Real Estate. When selling his 10-acre property in Gordon, his agent abandoned a boundary fence inspection and failed to follow up with interested buyers. Mead believes this unprofessional behavior cost him potential sales. His wife’s social media post about their negative experience received numerous responses from others with similar complaints.

Investigation and Response

Consumer Affairs Victoria is investigating Ballarat Real Estate, although they have not confirmed specific details. They have emphasized the seriousness with which they treat reports of poor conduct and encourage Victorians to report concerns. Ballarat Real Estate, on the other hand, claims they have not been notified of any issues by Consumer Affairs Victoria and maintain that they address all client concerns diligently.

A real estate building on a street.

Ballarat Real Estate is located in the centre of town. (ABC Ballarat: Rochelle Kirkham)

Conclusion

Michael Dean’s distressing experience with Ballarat Real Estate highlights serious issues in property management and sales practices. As Consumer Affairs Victoria continues its investigation, more stories are emerging, painting a troubling picture of an agency accused of neglecting its responsibilities and causing significant financial and emotional damage to its clients.

SOURCE: ABC