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QUESTION: I have a concern with the property agent where I rent. Whilst a nice enough chap, he is terribly unprofessional and it seems like he is only interested in the rental commission.
I thought he was supposed to be my representative to the landlord, the strata management and even the complex’s Executive Committee?
When I signed the lease, I did not receive any documentation about his role – so what is it? – Staticsan, edited from Forum.
ANSWER: The letting agent acts on behalf of the landlord, but should relay your concerns to them. They don’t have to contact the EC or strata manager on your behalf – that’s up to the landlord.
Regarding documentation, there probably isn’t a single piece of literature that explains what a letting agent does and doesn’t do. Many tenants don’t even get a copy of the by-laws which landlords are legally obliged to provide although you definitely should have a lease that includes a condition report and details of your bond.
If you have a complaint and can’t get anywhere with the agent, contact the owner. Failing that, call Fair Trading (Tel 13 32 20).
In NSW, if your problem is with the Owners Corporation – say, for a failure of common property affecting the amenity of your unit – you can ask Fair Trading to force the landlord to take action (cheaper but more complicated) or you can take action yourself via Fair Trading.
You’ll find more information on this and what your state laws allow at your local tenants advisory service – click HERE for your local branch or, if that fails, click HERE for a list of interstate services.
You can read the original question in full, and a few answers, here.
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