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  • Profile photo of thinkerthinker
    Member
    @thinker
    Join Date: 2005
    Post Count: 29

    Hi Guys,

    We have been waiting for (literally) 6+ months to sort out an issue with a few appliances (both faulty). No indication of abuse or anything , it just seems that the agents repair agent and the agent have both decided that it is too hard. We are at 20+ phone calls seriously…

    So, (we are in NSW) I was just going to suggest that we have an authorised repairer (who has already confirmed a lead time of 3 days) just come and fix the problem – advising the agent in writing with a weeks notice. I am a little concerned that any future 'related' problems may in the agents view be my liability but I plan to write this in the letter as well. It can't be more than a few hundred bucks and we are paying over $600/wk rent….

    (I have two properties and would never let it get to this point – then again, I would choose another agent)

    Suggestions? or anything I should worry about?

    Cheers

    Profile photo of ducksterduckster
    Participant
    @duckster
    Join Date: 2004
    Post Count: 1,674

    I suggest you have a read of this
    http://www.tenants.org.au/languages/english/repairs.pdf
    to know where you stand

    I had a faulty stove in an investment property and had it repaired but when it became faulty again I replaced the whole stove with a new one. Why ? Because I can claim depreciation.

    Profile photo of Scott No MatesScott No Mates
    Participant
    @scott-no-mates
    Join Date: 2005
    Post Count: 3,856

    Advise the agent that if they don't do something about the problems within 7 days you will be taking the matter to the Dept of Fair Trading for an order.

    I have found the agents managing our properties have advised us of issues (regardless of how trivial). If they have been within the abilities of the handyman to repair this has been done otherwise it has been done by electricians, plumbers, extinguisher reps, locksmiths etc.

    Do you have an option to move out or are you tied into your lease/relocation costs an issue?

    Profile photo of thinkerthinker
    Member
    @thinker
    Join Date: 2005
    Post Count: 29

    Relocation is just an inconvenience.

    I suspect, given advertising, that the agent has good expat market that would yield higher than us anyway so it wouldn't fuss them :) The owner is an expat as well so there is no close management .

    That being said, 4 years and no inspection – not sure I would be comfortable with this but each to their own.

    Happy to be firm but fair with them – shame we have to get to this point but our new property manager seems not to be focussed on making it easy.

    Profile photo of Scott No MatesScott No Mates
    Participant
    @scott-no-mates
    Join Date: 2005
    Post Count: 3,856

    The licensing requirement under the dept of fair trading is that they must undertake an inspection upon commencement of the management agreement then annually. Even from a tenant's point of view you could take them to task over this.

    Profile photo of thinkerthinker
    Member
    @thinker
    Join Date: 2005
    Post Count: 29

    They did do the initial inspection – albeit with nil comment. the initial condition report was not thorough, reality was that the place was just grotty with some rough edges – reflected in our thorough amendment to the condition report.

    But does raise the fact that inspections seem really rare in Sydney when I talk to people.

    I contrast this to my agent who treats it like a business and is straightforward and reliable.

    (Then again, you'd be mad to buy the place I live in as an investment, great as a renter tho)

    Profile photo of Scott No MatesScott No Mates
    Participant
    @scott-no-mates
    Join Date: 2005
    Post Count: 3,856

    I actually 'speak' to my MA. Discuss next lease renewal, strategy, works, condition, increase & inspections. She emails the inspection 2 times per year, sometimes I attend as well. All of the agents that I have dealt with undertake their obligations at least annually – what do we pay them for otherwise?

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