Social Media is fast becoming a popular tool, both for leisure and work related tasks. However be warned that blurring the line between 'leisure' and 'work' can be detrimental to your case.

Case - Tenants who moved into a rental property just before Christmas, which as we know is summer at it's hottest, did so on the proviso the broken air conditioner at the property was repaired within an agreed time. Now we also know trying to get a repairman to fix anything over the Christmas holiday period is impossible as the landlord discovered. Weeks dragged on and still the air conditioner sat idle. Much complaining on the tenants part resulted in not only an irate landlord but also an application to the Tribunal as the tenants were claiming a part refund of rent for every week they spent without the air conditioner.

Both tenant and landlord appeared before the Magistrate who looked over the paperwork from both parties. He concluded that the landlord had a strong case as she had supplied proof of her efforts to have the matter resolved within a timely manner – however in this case the Magistrate ruled in favour of the tenant.

Why ? Because the tenants had supplied a copy of the Landlords Facebook page which displayed not only derogatory comments about the tenants but also an admission she had deliberately told the repairman there was no urgency to repair the appliance as 'they can wait for it now'.

Oops – the landlord was Ordered to pay a refund of rent and to have the appliance repaired.

Case Closed.