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[beedee]

Hi there – 

 

I rent an apartment in inner-west Sydney with a shared laundry on the landing.  Each apartment on the floor (there are 3) has its own electricity socket in which to plug your own washing machine/dryer.  However, the electricity socket to my apartment does not work.  I have to run an extension cord from my apartment out to the laundry in order to power my washing machine and dryer, and have been doing so for more than 2 years now… but I'm fed up with this!  Not only is it annoying, it is a tripping hazard and with a toddler and a baby getting around it's just dangerous.  

The real estate agent says it's a strata problem.  The owners' corp say it's the owner's problem because renovations 15 years ago in the apartment led to the problem.  I have been told by the owners' corp secretary that previous tenants had their washing machine in the kitchen, and I should do the same! 

I can't remember if the apartment was advertised with an external/shared laundry or not.  What should I do?  I am also waiting to sign a new lease – should I wait till I've signed the lease before bringing this up again?

 

All advice appreciated!

Topic

[Chris Kerin @ Teys]

Hi Beedee

As a tenant there is little you can do as it is up to the owner to deal with the owners corporation on this issue.

I suggest you look to your residential tenancy agreement for rights relating to the safe use of the premises, etc in order to force the owner to have the situation resolved (either with the OC or themselves). If there is nothing in the residential tenancy agreement to deal with it, you should make dealing with it a condition of your continued tenancy.

Regards

Chris Kerin

Partner – Building Defects

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