Hi all,
Just need some community ozbargain advice.
At the end of my tenancy, my agent picked up on a small chip in the granite kitchen benchtop that was not present in the pre-inspection report, and I have no way of getting out of paying it out of my bond.
According to the agent, she has yet to obtain a quote, but a similar benchtop chip costed $385 just recently, and she mentions the owner is happy to accept $250 given the age of the benchtop/depreciation.
I took a photo of the chip and received a quote within 5minutes after sending it, and was quoted $275.
The issue is - chances are the landlord is just going to pocket the $250 and not fix the chip. I want minimize the amount of money the landlord received, rather than the amount I pay (probably not an ozbargain spirit).
My plan was to show them the quote, and counteroffer the following 2 options:
1. Deduct $250 from my bond as long as they show me proof that >$250 was paid to a company which fixed it. (This option will mean the landlord doesn't get a cent, but gets a fixed benchtop, which is not of any value to him as it is small)
2. Deduct $100 from my bond, and that is it. (This will mean the landlord will pocket $100, and I save $150)
I don't mind spending the extra money, I just don't want the landlord to pocket anymore than necessary. What are some of the ozbargainer thoughts? Is this a good counterproposal? Should I offer even less for option 2? (Say, $50?)
Cheers~ :)
The landlord is within his rights to withhold whatever it costs to return his house to its condition before you moved in. He also dosen't have to show proof that he actually repaired it. Pay the cost and move on.