How Much Compensation Should I Offer My Landlord for a Small Iron Burn That He Refuses to Allow Me to Go Ahead with The Repair?

LRenee88 on 07/05/2020 - 16:12
Last edited 07/05/2020 - 17:48 by 1 other user

Hi everyone,

I dropped iron and have a small 3 inch burn mark which has nearly gone but still noticeable.

I immediately told and showed landlords who live next door and advised I had got a quote by email for $150 to repair.

The landlord replied go ahead. I did not go ahead. Was going to arrange at end of lease.
Then a few weeks later her husband told me that I am now to replace the whole room as the carpet is over 3 years old and requests $560 dollars out of bond in September?

Their argument is, the carpet is in a one way pattern, a repair will evidently show up.

I have a photo on my phone and very upset as I am now worried what else they will want money for.

The place is spotless and do not know what to do I suggested we go to VCAT at end of the lease?

Disappointed as I really liked the landlords.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • spackbace on 07/05/2020 - 16:14

    How long were you there for?

  • Renee88 on 07/05/2020 - 16:16

    Not even 12 months lease up in September.

    • spackbace on 07/05/2020 - 16:25

      In that space of time, fair wear and tear isn't applicable to you, so you do have a duty to leave it how you left it…

      • oscargamer on 07/05/2020 - 16:31

        Yes but, OP doesn't have to replace a (let's say) 5 year old carpet with a new one. The OP must return the carpet to it's previous condition.

        • spackbace on 07/05/2020 - 16:32
          +1

          The OP must return the carpet to it's previous condition.

          Which didn't have a burn mark, and didn't have a patch.

          I mean, you could try to source a 3+yo carpet pattern to replace the room… good luck ;)

          • oscargamer on 07/05/2020 - 17:50
            +6

            @spackbace: Once again, the elephant in the room.

            I'll type loudly for those hard of hearing…

            Let's say the carpet is worth $100/m2 in a 15m2 room = $1500

            I believe carpets depreciate (for LL's) over 10 years

            A 5 year old carpet is then 'worth' $750.

            The damage caused by the OP is worth $750, not the cost of a new carpet.

            If the $560 'out of bond' represents the cost of a new carpet, then that is wrong. If the $560 represents a portion of the cost of a new carpet, then that's correct.

  • brendanm on 07/05/2020 - 16:18
    +3

    Picture?

  • RM on 07/05/2020 - 16:19
    +1

    Please share the pic of the damage.

    • bdl on 07/05/2020 - 20:09

      I read that as "carnage"

  • Renee88 on 07/05/2020 - 16:20

    Ok, How do I upload a photo please kind folks?

    • CC123 on 07/05/2020 - 16:25
      +2

      Go here and click "Upload new file"
      or upload to Imgur

  • tsunamisurfer on 07/05/2020 - 16:30

    I am curious as how one would fix a burn mark into the carpet?

    I have done a similar accident with an iron due to negligence.

    • Stewardo on 07/05/2020 - 19:56

      They cut a patch out and replace it, it looks ok on some carpets, patterned carpets is pretty obvious, it happens a lot in hotels, synthetic carpet, cheap iron and iron board, melts quick.

  • Pumpkin_rrr on 07/05/2020 - 16:31

    This is unfortunate but not hopeless. You are a decent person to report it immediately. Other people would have hidden it….
    Here's a few clues:

    • Where is the location of the mark? If right at the entrance it might not escape anyone noticing (Future Tenants)
    • Is there a wardrobe, lined with carpet? They/you should be able to find someone skilful enough to patch the damaged carpet by taking some from the wardrobe. But the person must be skilful and by that I mean not cheap….
    • Worst case scenario you have to pay, but the rate should be discounted by the age of the carpet.

    Hope that helps. Good luck!

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 07/05/2020 - 16:34
    +3

    Ignore them. Go get it fixed for $150. Problem solved.

  • GG57 on 07/05/2020 - 16:43

    Are you moving out at the end of your lease in September?
    If you are staying, and you can put up with it, you don't need to do anything until you leave.

  • Renee88 on 07/05/2020 - 16:49

    Hi Every One, Yes I am moving out in September and have tried to upload a photo and keep getting kicked out of uploading a photo?

  • Renee88 on 07/05/2020 - 17:01

    Ok, the only way I could upload the small photo was on my profile, and put my glasses fo a size comparison

    • CC123 on 07/05/2020 - 17:05
      +1

      Ok, the only way I could upload the small photo was on my profile, and put my glasses fo a size comparison

      Might be due to the fact that your account is new

      Upload the image to Imgur and share the link

  • Seraphin7 on 07/05/2020 - 17:21
    +4

    I did not go ahead.

    When you've got a good deal, take it.

    • bdl on 07/05/2020 - 20:09

      When you've got a good deal, take it.

      It's the Ozbargain way!

  • fullmetal on 07/05/2020 - 18:09
    -2

    Do you have a renter insurance? It covers accidental damage. Renting is just like driving a car always get insurance.

  • core101 on 07/05/2020 - 19:03

    You have done the right thing reporting it, as some people would have taken the non-confrontational way out by saying nothing and repairing it using water-soluble glue and fibers obtained from the edges, followed by a scuff and trim to blend it in. They probably subscribe to the theory that landlords suffer from inattentional blindness, and that they won't notice the small defect unless it is bought to their attention. If you can afford the money cut your losses and move on with your life.

  • stirlo on 07/05/2020 - 19:42

    Just wait until you leave. The carpet depreciates and therefor they cant claim full replacement cost. If you have your $150 quote in writing then use that when you move out/in any proceedings. Don't pay any more

  • jimdotpud on 07/05/2020 - 19:52
    +3

    He can't take it out of your bond unless you agree to it. Don't agree, don't pay more than you have to. You are under no obligation to "improve" the state of the place. Wait till the end of the lease. Offer him the $150 that you were quoted to get it fixed. If he doesn't agree, just say you are going to go to VCAT. He can't claim $560 if it would only reasonably cost $150 to repair it. Carpets wear over time and even get stains. The LL has to factor this in and will no doubt be claiming depreciation of the carpets and other fixings over 10 years.

    (https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/find-legal-answers/housing-a…)

    However, a landlord always has a duty to mitigate loss. This means that if they make a claim against your bond, they need to show that they have taken reasonable steps to keep their costs down.

    Keep all the comms you had, VCAT are very good at siding on the side of the tenant, especially if the LL is trying to extort excessive amounts.
    get a couple of quotes in writing and keep them ready.

    My friend late last year had a similar problem (hot choc stain on carpet), said he was going to VCAT (i helped him prepare all his evidence), they both lodged papers with VCAT, the LL claiming almost twice the amount my friend offered as repair and good will. the day before the hearing, the LL accepts the prior offer.

    Don't be bullied by the LL, go to VCAT. it's right to pay to fix it, but only at a reasonable amount.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join