Dealing with a pesky landlord is no less than a nightmare. According to a recent report, more than 36% of people in Australia change homes every five years, and 21% of them execute the move because of the landlords terminating the rental.
What’s more concerning, the rental vacancy rates across the country have plummeted over the past two years to significant lows. Given this scenario, if you have managed to secure a home on rent, it’s wise to learn the tricks to enjoy an extended stay instead of moving out frequently because of a bad landlord in Australia.
This post walks you through the responsibilities landlords have and the best secrets to dealing with a bad landlord. Read on to learn everything involved!
A great understanding is key
In Australia, every state and territory has its unique residential tenancy laws. However, most tenants tend to overlook the significance of learning them. Consequently, they can’t figure out what to expect from the owners. And this leads to things that damage a landlord-tenant relationship.
Tenant unions across Australia offer a wide range of information on different topics through their helplines and official websites. You should consider checking them when renting a home.
Furthermore, you should carefully go through every documentation pertaining to your tenancy with an enhanced focus on the rental agreement, bond lodgement form, and condition report. If you find anything foggy, ask the landlord or property manager immediately.
Besides, before signing any document, check if it contains detailed and complete information. For instance, check if your bond form mentions the refund amount or if the tenancy agreement describes your liabilities when vacating the home.
Write your requests
Whether you need emergency repairs, quick fixes, or little renovations, you should always submit your requests in writing. Landlords should respond to a request for urgent repairs promptly and efficiently. In Australia, rental providers may not accept verbal requests. Thus, write down everything and keep a copy with you.
Your request should contain the date, time, and the subject you want to be addressed. When you have everything in writing, you can seek help from the dedicated state authority in complicated scenarios.
How long landlords have to fix problems can depend on the repair itself which is why having the date is crucial.
Seek advice
When you fail to address or resolve an issue with your landlord through negotiation, you should seek advice from a professional tenancy lawyer. They may help you understand tenancy agreements and your rights better.
Besides, they may update you with the current rules and trends of the rental market. Most importantly, by analysing the situation, they can develop curated solutions catering to frustrated tenants.
Escalation works
Have you been asked to vacate your home without any justified notice period or your landlord won’t make repairs? Are they disputing the rent paid? If yes, you should take documented evidence of your landlord breaching the contract to the state’s tribunal.
Typically, tribunals address common issues triggered by a bad landlord Australia. They may include increasing rent before the tenancy is over, breaching the terms of a periodic lease, ignoring valid requests of tenants, etc.
Talk to your real estate agent
Real estate agents are the primary contact for the tenant when it comes to addressing tenancy-related issues. They are responsible for helping the tenant work through the issues and reach a satisfactory conclusion.
Therefore, feel free to reach out to your agent whenever your bad landlord in Australia turns your life tough.
Know the national standards
While the rules related to residential tenancies vary across the territories, there are always some set national standards. For example, in New South Wales and Victoria, there are different rules on how long tenants that fall behind on rent are given to overcome the situation before being intimidated with a vacating notice.
There are also smaller regulations like gas and electrical safety checks which might differ from state to state.
While the period may vary, the subject remains the same – landlords need to produce a prior notice with a justified timeline to evict tenants. There are more similar standards that you should be aware of to protect yourself from nightmare landlords, including why landlords shouldn’t ask for a rental increase.
People also ask
Can you file a lawsuit against your Australian landlord?
Yes, you can. Besides, you can also claim compensation. However, you will have to produce shreds of evidence that demonstrate your loss, damage, or other noteworthy inconveniences caused by your rental provider or agent.
Are landlords in Australia responsible for maintenance?
Yes, they are! When a property is in a reasonable state of repair, an Australian landlord should pay for its maintenance depending on the age of the property, the proposed rent, and the potential life of the property.
When can you break your tenancy lease in Australia?
You can break your lease when your landlord is violent or abusive. In such a case, you can produce a seven days notice and vacate the premises immediately. However, you will have to produce adequate evidence. Besides, the tribunal may ask you to pay compensation if the premises become uninhabitable.
