Plugged into a power struggle

QUESTION: I rent an apartment in inner-west Sydney with shared laundries on the landings.  Each apartment has its own electricity socket in which to plug your own washing machine/dryer but mine doesn’t work.

I have to run an extension cord from my apartment and have been doing so for more than two years now but I’m fed up with it. 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’ corporation say it’s the owner’s problem because of renovations done 15 years ago.  The secretary says previous tenants had their washing machine in the kitchen, and I should do the same.

I’m due to sign a new lease – should I wait till I’ve done so before bringing this up again? – Beedee, via Forum.

ANSWER: “It’s up to the owner to deal with the owners corporation on this issue,” says Chris Kerin of Teys Lawyers.

To force the owner to resolve the issue, Chris suggests checking the tenancy agreement for rights relating to the safe use of the premises. Otherwise make dealing with it a condition of your continued tenancy.  More on this HERE.

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