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QUESTION: Recently on a very windy day, a strong gust of wind rattled through our rented house and two light shades sheared off their brackets, meaning the whole fitting had to be replaced – they’re worth about $30 for each.
The managing agent told us to contact an electrician, which we did. We are now being hit up for $190 by the agent to replace the two light fittings.
If we had broken them then I’d replace them. But the agent says that leaving a window open when it was windy was negligence on our part so we are liable for the cost of the subsequent damage.
I disagree as it wasn’t windy when we left the window open and I would have thought this was part of fair wear and tear so I am not willing to pay. Who’s right? – InTheDark, Sydney.
ANSWER: I’ve done a bit of digging on this and it’s not entirely clear who should pick up the bill because nobody is really at fault.
So, on absolutely no legal basis whatsoever, I’d tell the agent they should have warned you the light fitting was so fragile that it might be blown away. And, anyway, they should have had landlord insurance.
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