Unlawful Entry by REA's Handyman
I'm very upset as yesterday our REA let a handyman into our property (specifically the bedroom and office) while no one was home and without any written notice or informed verbal consent.
To ask for consent our REA called my partner while she was working in a loud and busy environment, she was not clear what was being asked and had to hang up. Upon calling the agency back for clarification she was told that the handyman had already been through the property for non-emergency maintenance. This does not constitute informed consent and there was no written notice.
The risk was high as our cat was in the property and the handyman was not aware of her presence, could have been injured or ran away. We had personal items out in the open in the bedroom. The handyman had full unmonitored access to the office where I do all my work and store sensitive personal and client information. This constitutes breach of privacy and unlawful entry.
What are my options? I am considering asking for compensation from the agency, what would be acceptable here? I know that if we took it to VCAT the burden of proof would be on the agency and they have no evidence that we gave informed consent.
Really I just feel gross and upset that they let a stranger that deep into our space.