The disillusioned young owner of a Heathridge rental property trashed in an out-of-control party on Sunday has told a story to strike fear into the heart of any investor.
Police were called to the Prince Regent Drive property around 10pm Sunday after numerous reports of a disturbance, to find about 200 drunken people both inside and outside the house.
A large number gathered in the street and park nearby, allegedly fighting and yelling abuse at police while pelting them and their cars with bottles. Police have charged two teenage boys with failing to comply with an order to leave.
One, a 16-year-old, was also charged with possessing a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply.
Police will soon decide whether to lay charges against tenant Daniel Hope, who hosted for his teenage daughter Talia the party complete with DJ, photographer and videographer.
Numerous photos from the party on social media show young teenagers drinking, smoking and taking drugs.
Nine News Perth reported more than 100 people attended a recent Halloween party there and another going-away party a few weeks ago.
Mr Hope told Nine he would be hosting more parties, saying, "why wouldn't ya?" as further TV coverage showed images of broken fences and windows, and mountains of rubbish around the house.
The videographer might not be so keen, though, having posted on his Facebook page that he would no longer be filming and photographing Talia's parties.
Homeowner Giselle Alliex saw the coverage and realised with horror it featured her rental, from which she had been trying to evict them since September.
Ms Alliex said after a previous trouble-free tenant who had stayed two years, this family moved in in August, and alledgly stopped paying rent in September. In November they were ordered to vacate the premises in a court hearing they did not attend.
"The tenants received a copy of the order in the post as well and are well aware of the situation," she said.
"They pleaded for compassion over Christmas.
"I have tried to show compassion to this family during the festive season, while struggling to pay a mortgage by myself."
She claims the family had received rent assistance from the government and charities such as the Red Cross and St Vincent De Paul but still owed her $1610, down from more than $2500 when the application was heard in court.
"When I saw that they had hired a DJ and photographer for their party my heart sank knowing that everyone was trying their best to help this family out with money, leniency and kindness over the holidays," she said.
The 25-year-old, who works full time, said this was her first investment property and she had been managing it herself in an attempt to save money.
"I realised it would be challenging but I never expected to be treated with so little dignity or respect as a human being," she said.
She said she was now attempting to organise a bailiff to eject the family, worried about more parties over the festive season.
"I am very concerned about the condition of my house," she said.
"I feel terrible for the neighbouring properties and I want the public to know the extent of the heartache this family has caused."
She said the landlord from the reference check had not mentioned any issues and had told her that while the rent was sometimes late it had always been paid.
"Also, given the details are from the tenant you can never really be sure who the references are which is why I need to get a property manager on board for 2017," she said.
The family did not respond to a request for comment.
Perth lawyer John Hammond said the situation was a common one.
"People do it so that they basically live rent free until a court order is made so that they can be forced out. Until that happens they just sit in the house until possession is taken," he said.
"Often there is a lot of damage and the bonds are inadequate to pay for even the damage. Often it's pointless to try to recover money because the tenant has no assets to seize or cash to pay with.
"One option is to enter the house and change the locks on the property once there is a court order."
He advised people to go above and beyond when checking out tenants and demand police clearances and references from former landlords and also employers, including finding out how long the tenant had worked for that employer.
"Also get family references," he said.
"Particularly with young tenants families sometimes don't want to get involved if they know their son or daughter is a problem tenant.
"I actually think there should be a register of repossession orders courts have issued over bad tenants, so that people who have trashed properties and refused to leave after a court order is made, should be subject to placement on a register landlords can access."