A Sydney man who could not afford his rent amid the coronavirus lockdown was allegedly held hostage by his landlord and physically threatened until he paid up.
Police said the 24-year-old male tenant and his friend arrived at the home he leased near Clifton Reserve in Surry Hills on Wednesday afternoon, and were met by the property owner and another man.
The tenant told officers his rent was in arrears after he was financially affected during the COVID-19 lockdown, but claimed he had negotiated a payment plan with the property owner.
However, the owner and the other man allegedly threatened the tenant and prevented him from leaving until he paid the outstanding amount in full.
After the tenant transferred the funds, the pair were allowed to leave and then immediately reported the incident at Surry Hills Police Station.
Officers arrested the 56-year-old property owner later that night and charged him over the alleged incident.
He spent the night in custody but appeared in court yesterday and was given conditional bail.
He is due to appear in court again in mid-August.
His 57-year-old friend was arrested after presenting himself to Surry Hills Police Station yesterday afternoon and was also charged.
He was refused bail and is due to appear in Central Local Court today.
