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Hi,
I'm just about to move in to a new apartment in 3 days. I've discovered that the property needs some drains unblocked to make it fit to live in and was after some advice.
Here's the story, after being approved as a tenant I badgered the agent into letting me visit the property to measure up the rooms before signing the lease. I met the agent there and discovered the floor of the internal laundry was covered in raw sewerage. The agent told me that this was caused by a blocked drain backing up and the previous tenants hadn't bothered to clean it up before moving out. He told me that the problem had been fixed, but subsequently contacted me and told me more work was needed. A plumber is looking at it over the next few days.
So, I'm wondering where I stand here. Obviously the property must be cleaned before I move in, but what rights do I have to expect the problem to be fixed before signing the lease?
Thanks.
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Have a look at this factsheet HERE on the Tenants NSW website. It includes a letter you need to send to the landlord outlining the work that needs to be done and their agreement to do it. It seems to say that the landlord can't hang on to your deposit if they have promised to do the repairs but then doesn't do them. The fact sheet also has contact details for the Tenants Advice and Advisory Service (you fill in your postcode and it directs you to your local office). You should call them before doing anything else.
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