Landlord’s 'ridiculous' request leaves renter in disbelief: ‘Not your responsibility’
By
Seia Ibanez
- Replies 15
Navigating the often complex waters of rental agreements can be tricky.
However, one landlord's outrageous request has sparked a furious reaction from tenants and other landlords around Australia.
A renter based in Victoria reported that their landlord had asked them to contribute to the cost of building a new driveway for the rental property.
Overflowing with uncertainty, the tenant took to social media to share their predicament.
'My landlord approached me and asked if I'd be willing to contribute to some of the costs for them to install a driveway into our rental. Currently, I park off-street, and a driveway would be very convenient for me,' the renter asked.
'Is this something I should/need to contribute to? I want to remain on good terms with the landlord, but even helping out 20 per cent of the cost is quite dear.'
The landlord's demand elicited fast and furious responses.
Online users were quick to criticise and declared it inappropriate to ask tenants to contribute to the cost of property enhancements.
Labelling the request as 'cheeky’, many shared their disbelief and outrage.
One user penned, 'Why would you contribute to something you don't own? No, I would not, it sounds as though your landlord is taking advantage got a cheek to even ask, really.’
Following in the same tone, another responded, 'How ridiculous. Absolutely NOT. Not your responsibility AT ALL.'
While most were vehemently against the idea, some highlighted the opportunity for negotiation.
‘If you were to, you would want some guarantees that you could stay in the property for X number of years, and you would be reimbursed the full amount if the property is sold etc,' one person pondered.
‘You don't need to, but I'd use it as a bargaining tool. Say in return for no rent increases and a five-year lease, reduced rent during works in writing,' another recommended.
Living in a rental property can be exciting, but it can also be stressful.
In a previous story, a tenant’s experience at her rented townhouse when her landlord made an unexpected demand by imposing strict limits on a household appliance.
Why was the tenant questioning her landlord’s request? You can read more about it here.
Have you ever faced similar issues with your landlord? Share them with us in the comments below.
However, one landlord's outrageous request has sparked a furious reaction from tenants and other landlords around Australia.
A renter based in Victoria reported that their landlord had asked them to contribute to the cost of building a new driveway for the rental property.
Overflowing with uncertainty, the tenant took to social media to share their predicament.
'My landlord approached me and asked if I'd be willing to contribute to some of the costs for them to install a driveway into our rental. Currently, I park off-street, and a driveway would be very convenient for me,' the renter asked.
'Is this something I should/need to contribute to? I want to remain on good terms with the landlord, but even helping out 20 per cent of the cost is quite dear.'
The landlord's demand elicited fast and furious responses.
Online users were quick to criticise and declared it inappropriate to ask tenants to contribute to the cost of property enhancements.
Labelling the request as 'cheeky’, many shared their disbelief and outrage.
One user penned, 'Why would you contribute to something you don't own? No, I would not, it sounds as though your landlord is taking advantage got a cheek to even ask, really.’
Following in the same tone, another responded, 'How ridiculous. Absolutely NOT. Not your responsibility AT ALL.'
While most were vehemently against the idea, some highlighted the opportunity for negotiation.
‘If you were to, you would want some guarantees that you could stay in the property for X number of years, and you would be reimbursed the full amount if the property is sold etc,' one person pondered.
‘You don't need to, but I'd use it as a bargaining tool. Say in return for no rent increases and a five-year lease, reduced rent during works in writing,' another recommended.
Living in a rental property can be exciting, but it can also be stressful.
In a previous story, a tenant’s experience at her rented townhouse when her landlord made an unexpected demand by imposing strict limits on a household appliance.
Why was the tenant questioning her landlord’s request? You can read more about it here.
Key Takeaways
- A landlord has faced criticism after asking their tenant to contribute financially to the construction of a driveway.
- The tenant was conflicted about the request as a driveway would improve their parking situation but felt it was an unfair expense.
- Social media users reacted strongly, advising the tenant not to contribute to the landlord's property investment.
- Some suggested that if the tenant did agree to contribute, they should secure a written agreement for rent stability or other benefits in return.
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