Outrage ensues after landlord criticises tenant’s 'continuous' repair appeals
- Replies 23
In times when property prices are soaring and managing a house is becoming a pocket-pincher, being a homeowner or landlord comes with its share of advantages and challenges.
A ‘cash-strapped’ landlord in Sydney recently took to the internet to express her frustration regarding repair requests made by her tenants.
She voiced her annoyance at having to handle what she considered frequent appeals for ‘minor issues’.
In her post, the landlord listed several issues, such as a faulty roller door, a loose doorknob, and an uncooperative plumbing system, dismissing them as minor concerns that didn't require immediate attention.
The landlord, who also owns another home aside from the rental property, felt that the list of repairs was too much for just a short period since the tenants had moved in.
She asked, 'My question is should I just suck it up and continue fixing these minor things? or should I start to say they just need to deal with it?'
She went on to add, ‘Each time, I approve the repairs and the maintenance is racking up! In my own home I live with all the above minor issues and just get on with it.’
The tenants have brought up some new problems that still need to be resolved.
One issue is with a sliding door that doesn't lock unless forcefully closed, while another problem is that one of the stove lighters has stopped working.
'I just feel like my tenants forget I'm not a multi-millionaire. What are your thoughts?' she asked.
To her surprise, people responded unsympathetically. They advised the woman to address the property issues or consider exiting the real estate business.
One commented, 'If you can't afford maintenance on your rental property, then you can't afford to be a landlord. It's actually that simple.'
Another user responded, 'As a tenant, I hate continuously asking for repairs as I feel like a burden, but then I remember this is the ONE benefit of renting. If something is broken, it's the landlord's obligation to fix it. It is all part of the property investment gig.'
The majority of people agreed that the issues were not insignificant.
One said, 'A leaking tap could increase their water bill, a dead battery in a roller door means they can't use the door... a door that won't lock unless forced is not acceptable, what if they used force and then broke the door. Would you blame the tenant... be a good landlord and fix the issues.’
A second added, ‘These are very reasonable requests especially if they've just moved in, don't forget yes you're giving them a place to live BUT they are paying you to pay off the mortgage the least you could do is fix minor repairs.’
The woman explained that she chose not to increase the rent because her goal was simply to cover her mortgage payments, rather than becoming a real estate tycoon.
However, her explanation didn't impress.
One user expressed the opinion that refraining from exploiting the housing shortage and increasing the rent for profit shouldn't be seen as deserving of special recognition, as investments always involve some level of risk.
The main takeaway from this is that whether you are a landlord or a tenant, it is essential to have discussions about the condition of the property during the rental agreement process.
Members, what do you think about the landlord's frustration with repair requests from tenants? Do you believe it is the landlord's responsibility to fix any and all broken items in the rental property? Share your thoughts with us!
A ‘cash-strapped’ landlord in Sydney recently took to the internet to express her frustration regarding repair requests made by her tenants.
She voiced her annoyance at having to handle what she considered frequent appeals for ‘minor issues’.
Landlords are responsible for addressing repairs in rental properties as it is part of their obligation to provide tenants with a safe and habitable living environment. Image by Pixabay
In her post, the landlord listed several issues, such as a faulty roller door, a loose doorknob, and an uncooperative plumbing system, dismissing them as minor concerns that didn't require immediate attention.
The landlord, who also owns another home aside from the rental property, felt that the list of repairs was too much for just a short period since the tenants had moved in.
She asked, 'My question is should I just suck it up and continue fixing these minor things? or should I start to say they just need to deal with it?'
She went on to add, ‘Each time, I approve the repairs and the maintenance is racking up! In my own home I live with all the above minor issues and just get on with it.’
The tenants have brought up some new problems that still need to be resolved.
One issue is with a sliding door that doesn't lock unless forcefully closed, while another problem is that one of the stove lighters has stopped working.
'I just feel like my tenants forget I'm not a multi-millionaire. What are your thoughts?' she asked.
To her surprise, people responded unsympathetically. They advised the woman to address the property issues or consider exiting the real estate business.
One commented, 'If you can't afford maintenance on your rental property, then you can't afford to be a landlord. It's actually that simple.'
Another user responded, 'As a tenant, I hate continuously asking for repairs as I feel like a burden, but then I remember this is the ONE benefit of renting. If something is broken, it's the landlord's obligation to fix it. It is all part of the property investment gig.'
The majority of people agreed that the issues were not insignificant.
Neglecting necessary repairs can lead to dissatisfaction and potential legal issues. Image by Pixabay
One said, 'A leaking tap could increase their water bill, a dead battery in a roller door means they can't use the door... a door that won't lock unless forced is not acceptable, what if they used force and then broke the door. Would you blame the tenant... be a good landlord and fix the issues.’
A second added, ‘These are very reasonable requests especially if they've just moved in, don't forget yes you're giving them a place to live BUT they are paying you to pay off the mortgage the least you could do is fix minor repairs.’
The woman explained that she chose not to increase the rent because her goal was simply to cover her mortgage payments, rather than becoming a real estate tycoon.
However, her explanation didn't impress.
One user expressed the opinion that refraining from exploiting the housing shortage and increasing the rent for profit shouldn't be seen as deserving of special recognition, as investments always involve some level of risk.
The main takeaway from this is that whether you are a landlord or a tenant, it is essential to have discussions about the condition of the property during the rental agreement process.
Members, what do you think about the landlord's frustration with repair requests from tenants? Do you believe it is the landlord's responsibility to fix any and all broken items in the rental property? Share your thoughts with us!
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