Noise, nuisance and in-your-face “couldn’t give a stuff” attitude. Sure, there are some tenants like that but what happens when an owner is the problem and tenants are the victims?
QUESTION: I’ve got a problem in my apartment block with a noisy neighbour who comes home late at night and plays loud music.
Whenever I complain, he says “I’m an owner, mate … I can do what I like.”
I’ve been told only my landlord can complain officially to the strata manager or the executive committee so that they have to do something.
My landlord lives overseas and the rental agent isn’t interested. Is there anything I can do?
ANSWER: There’s plenty you can do. Owners have to abide by the by-laws just like you do and if they are causing a problem for you have every right to complain.
If the strata manager and executive committee won’t listen, you can go to Fair Trading (Tel 13 32 20) and make a complaint which will cost $70 (the fee may be waived if you can show hardship).
They will organise a mediation but if that doesn’t work you can ask for an adjudication from the Consumer Trader and Tenancy Tribunal.
By the way, don’t worry about your tenancy – by law you can’t be evicted for demanding your legal rights.