Rental Problems, It Sucks

[jasato56]

Hi I am new here but have been looking for a site to vent my spleen as a renter. Someone else stated that they felt that they were treated as second class citizens because they rent, and I agree with that. Because of a second marriage etc etc we can't buy a house due to financial restraints and because of our age I don't want to be landed with a huge mortgage. Anyway...I am tired of paying high rent, paying ALWAYS on time, keeping the place as if it was my own and then having to fight landlords to fix things. At present we are in a place and the kitchen has a dishwasher. First time I used it came down to find a giant puddle over the kitchen floor. A tradesman came and looked at it and stated that because it was an old model, couldn't fix it. This was just after we moved in last October. Via the agent, the landlord stated that she couldn't afford to replace it "just now" and would we wait until January. OK, which we did. Long and short, guess what? still a resounding silence from said landlord and the agent. I have sent requesting emails but to no avail. Anyone have any suggestions? My partner says we ought to ask for a reduction in our rent. Or perhaps buy one and request a reduction until paid off.

[glen]

A rent reduction seems like a nice compromise. You could always wash the dishes and not feel too bad about it if you knew that you were effectively getting paid to wash the dishes <img src='http://www.melbournechat.org/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

[jasato56]

haha like that! But they have finally put in a new one...mind you it is the most basic one out and doesn't even dry the dishes!!!!

[glen]

try keeping the door slightly open just after the wash cycle is finished (maybe jam a towel in the gap to keep the door open by an inch or so). they should dry off from the heat. <img src='http://www.melbournechat.org/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />



...also you may need to first dry the tops of the items manually (like cups etc). that is what we have to do.

[Normandy]

[quote name='glen' post='12589' date='Jan 9 2009, 10:18 PM']good luck in vcat!!!! i hope it all works out. let us know what happens![/quote]





I thought I would update you all... after battling through VCAT, the house got taken off the Market, as the owner had no idea how badly the selling agent was treating me, so I can stay till the end of the lease, then the owner wants me out, so he can sell it. Which has worked out well with timing as I just bought a house (thank you Mr Government for the 1st home owners grant), so I move in a few weeks time to my OWN house for the first time in my life, to get out of this rent trap!



I highly encourage anyone who can, take advantage of the scheme, as after 25 years of renting this will be like a dream of not putting up with the #### of renting anymore, it will be very strange feeling of being able to do what I want to the house.

[glen]

well done normandy! glad it all worked out <img src='http://www.melbournechat.org/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

[Normandy]

Thanks, well well, its been 9 months since being in my own home, and things are great! Yes it costs more to pay off your house, than renting, but at least some of that money is coming back to you, and house prices seem to be going up still. Also moving out of Melbourne and into the country has been a extra bonus of clean air, no noise, and friendly people, with no traffic. I think after 14 years in the city and suburbs it was the best move I made in more ways than one. No more inspections, and life invaded, and no worry about getting kicked out every year!



I highly recommend it for anyone who has had enough of the rent city trap!

[glen]

If I could get work in country then I would consider moving! <img src='http://www.melbournechat.org/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> But would need to be a big town.

[Normandy]

There are ways being in the country, but only 35 mins from work and 50 mins to the city by train...if I had my choice (work) then I would be further out in one of the major country towns of Victoria.

[nazl]

i am in a 3-year lease!! and I just found out that the land lord sucks!!! I have requested for him to change the door lock...it has been a 2 months now and still no one came!! my laptop was stolen last month, before that I have lost my watch....seemed that things are disappearing from my apartment! the building manager is useless either....there is CCTV but no help there. I am paying aud2300 per month for a tiny one bedroom unit ...expensive. definitely not a place to stay for students. check out with the police on how many reported break in cases from this apartment.



I am n ot sure if I can break the lease though... have contacted consumer affair but they said if it is not a safety issue, it will not be possible.



avoid astorial 668 swanston st!!!

[Normandy]

three year lease?! why on earth do you do that? I never did any more then 12 months for that very reason of crappy landlords! I would get legal advice!