Thermostat Not Working - Rent Advices

Wimps on 26/01/2018 - 23:48

Hi everyone,

I need some advice.
Me and my girlfriend moved on our apartment early July 2017 for a 12 months rent contract. After a couple of days, we found that the thermostat was not working (It never worked).
We started to contact our real estate agent about the problem, the 4th of August, but since things are moving really slowly, technicians, came 2 or 3 times (the whole air conditioning system needs to be replaced), they need to cut our celling in the bathroom to access the system and process the repair. But it's been almost 6 months and the repair hasn't even started! They only offered us a 2 weeks rent reduction and two 15$ fans.

I don't really know what I can do to put pressure on the agent so we can finally have that repair …
Any help is welcome.

Cheers

Home & Garden

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 26/01/2018 - 23:49

    move out?

    • Wimps on 26/01/2018 - 23:59

      We have a tenancy contract for 12 months, and as we are internationals students, it will be hard to find something with a contract for less than 6 months.

  • dcuksuop on 27/01/2018 - 00:04

    ask for a portable air con?

    • Wimps on 27/01/2018 - 00:06

      Yeah, I think I will definitely try that in the meantime

  • o53djz7qTPY4der on 27/01/2018 - 06:41
    +1

    If write them a formal email demanding a rent reduction of X for the time without AC plus an expected repair tone frame.

    Should they fail to deliver go to VCAT (I think they're the necessary body in Melbourne).

    • Gronk on 27/01/2018 - 11:47

      Definitely the way to go if you want to get laughed at by your managing agent…

  • Gronk on 27/01/2018 - 11:51
    +1

    In Victoria (assuming that's where you are), Air Conditioning is not considered an essential service, whereas heating is. That means you can't compel the agent or landlord to repair a fault with your air conditioner / cooler, even through formal channels such as VCAT.

    You don't really have much option but to hope that the agent / landlord eventually gets the problem sorted, or if they haven't rectified it by the time your lease is due to expire start looking elsewhere.

    • Wimps on 27/01/2018 - 12:02

      Thank you for the details, I wasn't aware of that. Let's hope it gets fixed soon 😔

  • mysterytal on 27/01/2018 - 11:56
    +2

    Just to add to the previous reply if the air conditioner is the only form of heat in the property then it either must be fixed or an alternative heat source must be provided. The alternative heat source can be as simple as an electric fan heater.

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