Frustrated Renter Alert

[MrsTwith3]

This is just a vent and whinge more than anything.
My DH and I have been renting this house since August 2005 and in that time our rent has gone up of course (not the basis of my whinge) but the landlords never really do anything to fix any problems. Well they do eventually but it usually takes around 3-4 months of us asking the real estate to get on to them.
One of my biggest gripes here is the balcony has wood rot and they are well aware of it but have had 'tradies' (read as mates) come out and check it out and the report always goes back saying it is still safe. Ummm hello how safe is a balcony with the support beams rotting away with wood rot???
Another thing is after we had some major flooding back in the June long weekend storms of 2007 my DH went out and and fixed the drainage at our own expense to prevent the water coming through the downstairs area of the house.
Also when we first moved in here the yard was so overgrown with weeds, vines and some other noxious plant that smothers anything in its way. We have spent many many hours getting the yard to the point that we will let the kids outside to play. There is also some kind of disease going through some of the trees in our area and we have had to cut down two shrubs that were around 1.5mtrs tall that succumbed to the disease. Now the landord is whinging about one of the trees that was removed due to disease as it was her favourite.
Now Im not an idiot and understand that the rent we pay is most likely paying off a mortgage but geez why cant they maintain the property to a level that is not a hazard to myself and my children. Far out we were without a smoke alarm for nearly 6 months (yes I know they are a legal requirement in NSW rental properties). Our oven door which is a wall oven broke one of the hinges 4 weeks ago and we only just had it fixed today. We have had it tied shut with a shoelace as the door would fall open when you walked past. Not really safe with kids running past constantly.
Oh I should mention that they have 3 other investment properties as well as a house in the wealthiest street in our area but she is forever crying poor and cant do anything to this place. We have got tiles falling off all over the place in the bathroom too as well as a crack in the bottom of the shower recess.

What started this little rant off was the damn toilet is leaking from the rubber seal on the S bend and it looks like the loo is also blocked thanks to DS2 dropping a matchbox plane in there and DS1 flushing it...GAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH
If you read this far thanks.

[iMischa]

*hugs* nothing worse than dodgy landlords. and the way the rental market is especially up here on the coast, most renters feel scared to complain about things for fear of being booted!

from the sounds of things u speak to the landlord? (do you go through a real estate) can u explain things to them? about your concerns, explain about the tree?

is moving an option if things cant get resolved?

[MrsTwith3]

We do go through a realestate. This is the 4th one we have had since we have been here as the landlord gets cranky and changes agents as soon as any pressure is put on to do any repairs.
The rental market is insane atm so not too keen to push too hard as we couldnt really afford to do it right now.

[MamaC]

<-- that's how I felt after I read your post! HOW FRUSTRATING!

[Tam-I-Am]

Are you notifying them in writing about these issues? Because if you are, and nothing is being done, the renters are breaching their contract and you can take them to VCAT if necessary. I'd call the Renters Assistance Tribunal (or equivalent) in your state and have a bit of a chat over the phone to see what avenues you have open to you. What they're doing is not on - you have the right to use and enjoy the property safely.

[Happy2be3]

Three letters for you ... RTA!

[zombiekitty]

I would be calling the RTA.

[MermaidSister]

I know how you feel Sooo frustrating!!

Seriously, owners who can't afford basic maintenance on their investments should sell them to someone who can.