The key words are “previous tenant”. I would think that the damage from the previous tenants should have been brought to the attention of the OC, the lot owner and/or the Letting Agent when the damage occurred.
In my opinion it is now too late for the damage to be paid for by the Owner as the Owner cannot recoup the money from the rental bond once the tenants have vacated the property and the bond has been released.
In my opinion the OC should now bear the cost. However ‘unfair’ this appears to be, it is a reminder that any damage to common property should be brought to the attention of the OC as soon as the damage occurs. This enables immediate action to be taken.