New Home Renter Rights and Problems I'm Having with My Real Estate

driverelli on 26/03/2015 - 14:00

Hi,

I moved into my new apartment 2 weeks ago on the weekend. The drains have been blocked since we moved in the kitchen and are unusable. The washing machine is also in the kitchen and we have been unable to use it due to the blockage. Plumbers came around a few days ago and said the real estate has to get the body corporate to fix the problem and my drains still do not work.

My question is what are my rights in my situation and am I entitled to compensation as I am unable to use the kitchen sink and washing machine?

I appreciate any help in the matter.

Thanks,
Mark

General Discussion

Comments

  • pjetson on 26/03/2015 - 14:11
    +1

    Talk to the Tenant's Union - http://www.tuv.org.au or phone 9411 1444

    • JimB on 26/03/2015 - 14:56

      Good advice.

      Also what state are you in, as there are different rules in each state.

      Is the apartments brand new?

      • pjetson on 26/03/2015 - 15:25

        OP's profile said Melbourne, so that's the Tenant's Union that I quoted.

    • jackary on 26/03/2015 - 15:40

      Thank god you're not a landlord. In any case OP wasn't asking for someone to buy their meals. OP can't wash clothing, dishes, and as a plumber has told them the issue needs to be resolved with body corporate, it's out of OP's hands entirely. What more should they do?

      As has been mentioned, get in touch with your states tenants union. I was in a similar position and they were very helpful. I'd be less inclined to pursue compensation if there is alternate plumbing available to use, even if not practical (wash up in tub or bucket, discard water in another drain etc) - just put it down to one of those things that happens :)

      • pyramid on 26/03/2015 - 15:46
        -3

        Did you read this line from OP
        am I entitled to compensation as I am unable to use the kitchen sink and washing machine?

        • gabbasan on 26/03/2015 - 15:58

          If it is not repaired in a reasonable timeframe it's likely that you can claim a reduction in rent. You entered a contract with the expectation that these items were in good working order (unless this was mentioned in your contract) so I think its fair that if these are not fixed to working condition in a reasonable time that you seek a rent reduction for the time they weren't operable. My view only (as a landlord and someone that has rented in the past).

          As mentioned above contact the tenants union for advice, and have a quick read through the information here (each state will have similar if you google it) http://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing-and-accommodation/ren…

        • pyramid on 26/03/2015 - 16:03

          @gabbasan:
          Thanks mate. You cleared my doubts.

        • ozhunter on 26/03/2015 - 16:30

          Did you read, "I want $20/meal as compensation for the being unable to use the kitchen sink?"

          No?. Me neither….

        • jackary on 26/03/2015 - 17:32

          @cniminc: My apologies if I came across rude from the beginning, this is what I was hinting at. In my situation I received a discount on my rent as I had a similar plumbing issue that took quite a long time to resolve. Thought maybe this is what the OP was suggesting.

        • pyramid on 26/03/2015 - 17:38

          @jackary: I guess i was wrong on meal part..Good that people are giving write direction to OP

        • r2160 on 27/03/2015 - 09:17

          @gabbasan: I don't think it is unreasonable to ask for compensation to cover what it costs the renter. If the renter has to use a laundry service to do their washing, and they rented the property knowing that there was a washing machine, do you think that is unreasonable? I don't.
          As long as the compensation accurately represents what it costs the renter for a facility not working that was supplied as part of the rented property, I dont see a problem.
          If it is just a money grab, then I do see a problem.

  • itsdanthaman on 26/03/2015 - 18:49
    +4

    unable to use the kitchen sink nor the washing machine, i'd consider this to fall under the "emergency repairs" section of your tenancy agreement. and as such must be fixed immediately or close to it. You also have the power to arrange your own repairs to a certain dollar amount and send the real estate the bill if nothing has been done within the specified time

    You should really read your tenancy agreement, and look up your state's tenancy/landlords website for more info.

  • spackbace on 26/03/2015 - 20:17
    +2

    Above all else, contact the real estate agency, via email (so you have written proof), and find out a timeframe for repairs. Don't go making complaints anywhere until you've at least ticked that box (having read the OP I see nowhere that this has been done since the plumber's visit).

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