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QUESTION: Some overseas friends of mine rented a unit in the inner west which became badly affected by mould over summer.
The mother, for whom English is a second language, went to the rental agent who said ‘that’s how it is in Sydney’ and took absolutely no responsibility for the unit.
Apart from damage to their clothes and property, there is a health issue – their two children have been sleeping with their parents as their bedroom is mouldy, despite constant cleaning.
Where can she go to be advised of her rights and get support for this? – Steff, Marrickville
ANSWER: By law, the landlord has to provide habitable accommodation if he’s charging rent for it. Tell your friend she can demand a rent reduction for the time the apartment hasn’t been fully habitable, she may be entitled to compensation for the damaged goods, she can probably terminate the lease without any penalty and she can’t be thrown out just for exercising her legal rights.
On the other hand, if the owner does fix it, she and her family could be living in a building site for a few weeks.
TenantsNSW will provide advice, possibly with an interpreter service (call 1800 251 101 during office hours).
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