A man in Finland has been sentenced to six months of unconditional imprisonment for leaving his rented home in a completely uninhabitable condition. This unusual case has garnered attention, as reported by the newspaper Iltasanomat.
The individual, who had rented the single-family home for six years, is also required to pay €35,000 in damages to the property owner. The extent of the destruction prompted the court”s decision, which detailed how the rental unit, measuring less than 70 square meters, was left in disrepair.
According to reports, the tenant failed to inform the landlord of significant issues that had arisen within the property. Instead of addressing the water damage, he allowed the situation to deteriorate to the point where extensive repairs were necessary. The atmosphere in the home was so damp that it led to the growth of mold on the walls and flooring.
What truly alarmed investigators was the discovery of twenty large containers filled with water throughout the premises. This accumulation indicated serious plumbing failures that the tenant had neglected. He claimed that the issues were due to the installation of two air source heat pumps, which he had set up as a replacement for traditional heating systems.
The tenant contended that the pumps did not cause any damage, yet the court ruled that he was responsible for not notifying the landlord about the deteriorating conditions. The judge emphasized that the tenant”s actions were unacceptable and that he had a duty to report any significant issues affecting the property.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities tenants have towards maintaining rental properties and the legal implications of failing to do so.
