superjames said:
I have just started renting out a small unit to some tenants and am new to the wonderful world of being a landlord. A few weeks after moving in, the tenants have contacted me through the real estate agent requesting the following repairs:
- one of the electricity power points doesn't work
- one of the lights doesn't seem to work
- the fan thingy above the stove is missing a couple of grill thingies
As I understand it, landlords are required to ensure the property is in a reasonable state of repair. This property is a new unit in generally excellent condition and seems to me clearly to be in a reasonable state of repair. The repairs seem to be pretty minor and unless there's some other problem it seems a bit unreasonable for me to have to spend a few hundred dollars fixing these things.
Is this approach correct? Any guidance from the rental / strata gurus would be much appreciated! Thanks
If it is a new unit I suggest having a building inspection (if you did not get one before you purchased), and get back to the developer/builder quickly so that hopefully, even the “minor” problems are fixed to new condition.
As you will see from other forums, once a few years goes by, you have next to no chance of getting the builder/developer to repair anything.
If your unit is in NSW, recent changes to law has meant that your tenants have more rights so it is good 'insurance' to have the inspection and know if there are any major problems as well as the 'minor' ones.