Hi all,
Just wanted to get your thoughts on a predicament I'm in.
For context I'm located in Vic Western suburbs.
Inspected a house a couple weeks ago a was accepted a few days after viewing.
The REA said that the bond payment was required within 24 hours to secure the property. And the first months rent was to be paid at least 2 days prior to the commencement of the tenancy. They said that the rental agreement would be organised after payment was received.
Noticed that in the email they had the wrong weekly rent ($10/week increase to what was offered). This was addressed this via email and a response was received within 10 mins that it was an error and they confirmed the correct weekly rent. I also requested confirmation that the property will be cleaned prior to tenancy and asked about it being nbn ready as its a new estate. These requests were ignored for several emails until I stated that I would need confirmation before proceeding.
The bond was then transferred to them with a screenshot attachment to confirm that the payment was made. My current place also requested for the bond prior to my tenancy but from memory they also issued the rental agreement at the same time.
An email to follow up was sent the day after to confirm that they recieved my email to which i received no response. Called several times across a couple of days and they did not pick up. Finally got through to someone who said that they asked the accounts team to check if they payment had been received and they'd update me once it's been confirmed.
Nothing in writing to confirm they recieved my email or any updates. Basically was ghosted for a week. Timeline of events below;
1/6- viewed property and applied to move in 12/06
3/6- received call from REA requesting tenancy ledger for previous property not current one this was sent on 4/6
4/6- received email of offer from the rea requesting bond + 1st months rent
4/6 - requested confirmation that the property was nbn ready and would be cleaned (astroturf in the backyard had not been laid properly when I inspected it) initially email ignored when the offer was issued. Raised concerns regarding incorrect rental price. 4 emails later they confirmed general cleaning would be done and that the property was opticomm ready.
5/6- followed up to see if they received my previous correspondence — no repsonse
6/6- called both property managers on two separate occasions. Finally got someone on the 4th call— they were very rude but told me that it was with the accounts team
11/6- follow up via email again to check in with status of bond/rental agreement— no response. Advised that its now the day before we were due to start the lease and we've had no commitments or updates. Requested that the start date be moved back a week to 19/6 as there's not enough time to organise everything.
12/06 11am- they issued the rental agreement to me requested that it's signed and that the tenancy would start today. They confirmed the bond has been received and once everything is signed they would lodge my bond to the rbta.
The tenancy term is also weird at 11 months and 30 days.
They're quick to turn things around before anything was paid and was responsive. But applied a lot of pressure to pay/get things back to them. Once I did I was basically ghosted for a week with no updates despite chasing.
The property is nice, and it felt like home. The last time I did inspections with this REA they were rude, uninterested and ignored me when I asked them things. It's been a few years since then so I figured things might be changed. The open inspection went well with no issues. And the acceptance was quick. Thought I got lucky with this one. But there are a lot of red flags that I can't ignore and wanted to get your thoughts.
The posting on realestate.com hasn't been removed and the tight turn around times with lack of communication is giving me cold feet. Given that I haven't signed the rental agreement yet (or had time to review) I'm wondering if it would be best to ask for my bond back, blacklist them and move on? I feel like if it's been this much of a roller-coaster at the start it might end up being a nightmare during my tenancy. Though luckily it's a new property so there shouldn't be any maintenance issues. Am I being too paranoid?
The rental market atm seems difficult with lots of applicants and the houses aren't great/expensive.
Thanks all for taking the time to read this long post and for your advice.
Reviews on Google seem good for sellers. Not great for buyers/landlords. People complain about them being unresponsive/dishonest and rude. Mouldy houses, issues witht the property and not letting people inspect until keys are handed over/sale goes through. Landlords talk about their property not being looked after.
Sounds like shitty managers