Ah, real estate – it's something of a hot topic these days. Whether you're a renter, a landlord, or a homeowner, chances are it can cause some stress.

Renters especially have had to deal with a lot over the years – high rent prices, landlords not upkeeping their properties and now, adding insult to injury, a lot of agents asking for ridiculous fees for the smallest of things.

That's exactly what happened to one tenant in Australia recently, who was shocked when their real estate agent asked for over $1,000 to replace items at their rental property.

An Australian real estate agent's request for a tenant to pay a whopping $1,040 to replace two items in a rental property has got the online world up in arms, sparking a fiery debate.

‘My REA (real estate agent) is charging me $140 to change this outdoor light bulb and $900 to replace the entire wash basin,’ the renter disclosed on a Facebook group. The renter also uploaded images showing the light bulb and the tiny crack in the wash basin.

The outrageous demand sparked a discussion online. Credit: Oleksandr Pidvalnyi/Pexels

As the renter explained, the $140 charge for the lightbulb was due to the need to hire a labourer.

The tenant then posed a query to the online community: ‘Am I wrong in assuming that shouldn't be something I have to pay for?’

Furthermore, the renter added their two cents about the wash basin, admitting that they had never really noticed the minuscule crack and that it hadn't caused any leaks.

‘Is this fair for them to charge me to replace the entire thing?’ they asked.

The post sparked an intense debate among commenters, with many finding the charges utterly ludicrous.

These photos were uploaded online. Credit: Facebook

‘They cannot charge you to change a light bulb,’ one person asserted, while another added, ‘These people have absolutely no morals.’

A third internet user chimed in with: ‘What a joke.’

‘How old is the basin? Aside from a crack likely being fair wear and tear, landlords think they can replace old for new and have the tenants wear the cost, but fixtures depreciate,’ another claimed.

However, others defended the agent's actions, arguing that light bulbs are indeed a tenant's responsibility, assuming they were functional when initially provided.

A real estate agent also weighed in.

‘If the tenant has dropped something on it (referring to the wash basin), causing the crack, then yes. They are responsible,’ said Tam Leslie, Director for Ray White Albany.

‘If the sink was in new condition with no damage prior, then yes. they could charge full replacement as this wouldn't be normal wear,’ she continued.

‘If it was aged, then you couldn't charge full replacement as you would need to depreciate.’

Let's dive into what the official regulations say.

In NSW, according to Fair Trading NSW, tenants are responsible for minor maintenance tasks, such as replacing light bulbs, dusting, cleaning windows, removing cobwebs, and routine gardening jobs like watering, weeding, and mowing.

However, landlords have a responsibility to ensure the property is in a reasonable state of repair, taking into consideration factors like the property's age, rent amount, and prospective life.

Nonetheless, this does not necessarily mean the rental property must be in perfect, pristine condition.

Take note of these points. Image credit: The Seniors Discount Club

Fair Trading NSW also emphasised that tenants who believe a rent increase is unreasonable or a charge is unjust can bring their concerns to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Our recommendation for all you renters out there is to always know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant and make sure to consult official sources before taking any action.

That way, you'll have the confidence to stand up to real estate agents if they make any outrageous demands.

Key Takeaways

• An Australian real estate agent's request for a tenant to pay over $1,000 to replace two items at a rental property has caused controversy online.
• The tenant was asked to pay $140 to change an outdoor light bulb and $900 to replace a cracked wash basin.
• Many commenters on the tenant's Facebook post argued that the charges were excessive and unfair.
• According to Fair Trading NSW, tenants are responsible for minor maintenance, while landlords are responsible for repairing and maintaining the property in a reasonable state of repair, considering its age and rent.

So, members, we’ll leave it up to you–what do you make of this tenant’s predicament? Let us know in the comments.

 

[IAN3005]

Ah, real estate – it's something of a hot topic these days. Whether you're a renter, a landlord, or a homeowner, chances are it can cause some stress.

Renters especially have had to deal with a lot over the years – high rent prices, landlords not upkeeping their properties and now, adding insult to injury, a lot of agents asking for ridiculous fees for the smallest of things.

That's exactly what happened to one tenant in Australia recently, who was shocked when their real estate agent asked for over $1,000 to replace items at their rental property.

An Australian real estate agent's request for a tenant to pay a whopping $1,040 to replace two items in a rental property has got the online world up in arms, sparking a fiery debate.

‘My REA (real estate agent) is charging me $140 to change this outdoor light bulb and $900 to replace the entire wash basin,’ the renter disclosed on a Facebook group. The renter also uploaded images showing the light bulb and the tiny crack in the wash basin.

View attachment 21128

The outrageous demand sparked a discussion online. Credit: Oleksandr Pidvalnyi/Pexels

As the renter explained, the $140 charge for the lightbulb was due to the need to hire a labourer.

The tenant then posed a query to the online community: ‘Am I wrong in assuming that shouldn't be something I have to pay for?’

Furthermore, the renter added their two cents about the wash basin, admitting that they had never really noticed the minuscule crack and that it hadn't caused any leaks.

‘Is this fair for them to charge me to replace the entire thing?’ they asked.

The post sparked an intense debate among commenters, with many finding the charges utterly ludicrous.

View attachment 21129

These photos were uploaded online. Credit: Facebook

‘They cannot charge you to change a light bulb,’ one person asserted, while another added, ‘These people have absolutely no morals.’

A third internet user chimed in with: ‘What a joke.’

‘How old is the basin? Aside from a crack likely being fair wear and tear, landlords think they can replace old for new and have the tenants wear the cost, but fixtures depreciate,’ another claimed.

However, others defended the agent's actions, arguing that light bulbs are indeed a tenant's responsibility, assuming they were functional when initially provided.

A real estate agent also weighed in.

‘If the tenant has dropped something on it (referring to the wash basin), causing the crack, then yes. They are responsible,’ said Tam Leslie, Director for Ray White Albany.

‘If the sink was in new condition with no damage prior, then yes. they could charge full replacement as this wouldn't be normal wear,’ she continued.

‘If it was aged, then you couldn't charge full replacement as you would need to depreciate.’

Let's dive into what the official regulations say.

In NSW, according to Fair Trading NSW, tenants are responsible for minor maintenance tasks, such as replacing light bulbs, dusting, cleaning windows, removing cobwebs, and routine gardening jobs like watering, weeding, and mowing.

However, landlords have a responsibility to ensure the property is in a reasonable state of repair, taking into consideration factors like the property's age, rent amount, and prospective life.

Nonetheless, this does not necessarily mean the rental property must be in perfect, pristine condition.

View attachment 21135

Take note of these points. Image credit: The Seniors Discount Club

Fair Trading NSW also emphasised that tenants who believe a rent increase is unreasonable or a charge is unjust can bring their concerns to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Our recommendation for all you renters out there is to always know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant and make sure to consult official sources before taking any action.

That way, you'll have the confidence to stand up to real estate agents if they make any outrageous demands.

Key Takeaways

• An Australian real estate agent's request for a tenant to pay over $1,000 to replace two items at a rental property has caused controversy online.
• The tenant was asked to pay $140 to change an outdoor light bulb and $900 to replace a cracked wash basin.
• Many commenters on the tenant's Facebook post argued that the charges were excessive and unfair.
• According to Fair Trading NSW, tenants are responsible for minor maintenance, while landlords are responsible for repairing and maintaining the property in a reasonable state of repair, considering its age and rent.

So, members, we’ll leave it up to you–what do you make of this tenant’s predicament? Let us know in the comments.

Department of fair trading is called for... one place I rented I learned that no one had received their bond back... until I came along. When the agent started on the bond I cut him short and threatened him with the department of fair trading. He jumped up and down and asked if I was threatening him... I replied, "No... that's a promise" . Needless to say, I got the full bond back.

 

[Sherza]

One thing I know for certain is that a lot of the time the repairs they charge for aren’t actually done. I have returned to a couple of places that I was charged for repairs, a couple of little scratches, and found there were never done. The real estate had taken my money and kept it.
I know of three other people that have had the samedone to them

 

[Liz]

I know in my rental, I am responsible for changing the lights but I think structural things like say the vanity are the responsibility of the landlord as long as I didn't damage it. Landlords don't cover changing the locks if you get locked out, that is the tenants responsibility and that can be quite costly.

 

[Joydie]

Ah, real estate – it's something of a hot topic these days. Whether you're a renter, a landlord, or a homeowner, chances are it can cause some stress.

Renters especially have had to deal with a lot over the years – high rent prices, landlords not upkeeping their properties and now, adding insult to injury, a lot of agents asking for ridiculous fees for the smallest of things.

That's exactly what happened to one tenant in Australia recently, who was shocked when their real estate agent asked for over $1,000 to replace items at their rental property.

An Australian real estate agent's request for a tenant to pay a whopping $1,040 to replace two items in a rental property has got the online world up in arms, sparking a fiery debate.

‘My REA (real estate agent) is charging me $140 to change this outdoor light bulb and $900 to replace the entire wash basin,’ the renter disclosed on a Facebook group. The renter also uploaded images showing the light bulb and the tiny crack in the wash basin.

View attachment 21128

The outrageous demand sparked a discussion online. Credit: Oleksandr Pidvalnyi/Pexels

As the renter explained, the $140 charge for the lightbulb was due to the need to hire a labourer.

The tenant then posed a query to the online community: ‘Am I wrong in assuming that shouldn't be something I have to pay for?’

Furthermore, the renter added their two cents about the wash basin, admitting that they had never really noticed the minuscule crack and that it hadn't caused any leaks.

‘Is this fair for them to charge me to replace the entire thing?’ they asked.

The post sparked an intense debate among commenters, with many finding the charges utterly ludicrous.

View attachment 21129

These photos were uploaded online. Credit: Facebook

‘They cannot charge you to change a light bulb,’ one person asserted, while another added, ‘These people have absolutely no morals.’

A third internet user chimed in with: ‘What a joke.’

‘How old is the basin? Aside from a crack likely being fair wear and tear, landlords think they can replace old for new and have the tenants wear the cost, but fixtures depreciate,’ another claimed.

However, others defended the agent's actions, arguing that light bulbs are indeed a tenant's responsibility, assuming they were functional when initially provided.

A real estate agent also weighed in.

‘If the tenant has dropped something on it (referring to the wash basin), causing the crack, then yes. They are responsible,’ said Tam Leslie, Director for Ray White Albany.

‘If the sink was in new condition with no damage prior, then yes. they could charge full replacement as this wouldn't be normal wear,’ she continued.

‘If it was aged, then you couldn't charge full replacement as you would need to depreciate.’

Let's dive into what the official regulations say.

In NSW, according to Fair Trading NSW, tenants are responsible for minor maintenance tasks, such as replacing light bulbs, dusting, cleaning windows, removing cobwebs, and routine gardening jobs like watering, weeding, and mowing.

However, landlords have a responsibility to ensure the property is in a reasonable state of repair, taking into consideration factors like the property's age, rent amount, and prospective life.

Nonetheless, this does not necessarily mean the rental property must be in perfect, pristine condition.

View attachment 21135

Take note of these points. Image credit: The Seniors Discount Club

Fair Trading NSW also emphasised that tenants who believe a rent increase is unreasonable or a charge is unjust can bring their concerns to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Our recommendation for all you renters out there is to always know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant and make sure to consult official sources before taking any action.

That way, you'll have the confidence to stand up to real estate agents if they make any outrageous demands.

Key Takeaways

• An Australian real estate agent's request for a tenant to pay over $1,000 to replace two items at a rental property has caused controversy online.
• The tenant was asked to pay $140 to change an outdoor light bulb and $900 to replace a cracked wash basin.
• Many commenters on the tenant's Facebook post argued that the charges were excessive and unfair.
• According to Fair Trading NSW, tenants are responsible for minor maintenance, while landlords are responsible for repairing and maintaining the property in a reasonable state of repair, considering its age and rent.

So, members, we’ll leave it up to you–what do you make of this tenant’s predicament? Let us know in the comments.

A hand washing basin is a fixture in a property.

Ah, real estate – it's something of a hot topic these days. Whether you're a renter, a landlord, or a homeowner, chances are it can cause some stress.

Renters especially have had to deal with a lot over the years – high rent prices, landlords not upkeeping their properties and now, adding insult to injury, a lot of agents asking for ridiculous fees for the smallest of things.

That's exactly what happened to one tenant in Australia recently, who was shocked when their real estate agent asked for over $1,000 to replace items at their rental property.

An Australian real estate agent's request for a tenant to pay a whopping $1,040 to replace two items in a rental property has got the online world up in arms, sparking a fiery debate.

‘My REA (real estate agent) is charging me $140 to change this outdoor light bulb and $900 to replace the entire wash basin,’ the renter disclosed on a Facebook group. The renter also uploaded images showing the light bulb and the tiny crack in the wash basin.

View attachment 21128

The outrageous demand sparked a discussion online. Credit: Oleksandr Pidvalnyi/Pexels

As the renter explained, the $140 charge for the lightbulb was due to the need to hire a labourer.

The tenant then posed a query to the online community: ‘Am I wrong in assuming that shouldn't be something I have to pay for?’

Furthermore, the renter added their two cents about the wash basin, admitting that they had never really noticed the minuscule crack and that it hadn't caused any leaks.

‘Is this fair for them to charge me to replace the entire thing?’ they asked.

The post sparked an intense debate among commenters, with many finding the charges utterly ludicrous.

View attachment 21129

These photos were uploaded online. Credit: Facebook

‘They cannot charge you to change a light bulb,’ one person asserted, while another added, ‘These people have absolutely no morals.’

A third internet user chimed in with: ‘What a joke.’

‘How old is the basin? Aside from a crack likely being fair wear and tear, landlords think they can replace old for new and have the tenants wear the cost, but fixtures depreciate,’ another claimed.

However, others defended the agent's actions, arguing that light bulbs are indeed a tenant's responsibility, assuming they were functional when initially provided.

A real estate agent also weighed in.

‘If the tenant has dropped something on it (referring to the wash basin), causing the crack, then yes. They are responsible,’ said Tam Leslie, Director for Ray White Albany.

‘If the sink was in new condition with no damage prior, then yes. they could charge full replacement as this wouldn't be normal wear,’ she continued.

‘If it was aged, then you couldn't charge full replacement as you would need to depreciate.’

Let's dive into what the official regulations say.

In NSW, according to Fair Trading NSW, tenants are responsible for minor maintenance tasks, such as replacing light bulbs, dusting, cleaning windows, removing cobwebs, and routine gardening jobs like watering, weeding, and mowing.

However, landlords have a responsibility to ensure the property is in a reasonable state of repair, taking into consideration factors like the property's age, rent amount, and prospective life.

Nonetheless, this does not necessarily mean the rental property must be in perfect, pristine condition.

View attachment 21135

Take note of these points. Image credit: The Seniors Discount Club

Fair Trading NSW also emphasised that tenants who believe a rent increase is unreasonable or a charge is unjust can bring their concerns to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Our recommendation for all you renters out there is to always know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant and make sure to consult official sources before taking any action.

That way, you'll have the confidence to stand up to real estate agents if they make any outrageous demands.

Key Takeaways

• An Australian real estate agent's request for a tenant to pay over $1,000 to replace two items at a rental property has caused controversy online.
• The tenant was asked to pay $140 to change an outdoor light bulb and $900 to replace a cracked wash basin.
• Many commenters on the tenant's Facebook post argued that the charges were excessive and unfair.
• According to Fair Trading NSW, tenants are responsible for minor maintenance, while landlords are responsible for repairing and maintaining the property in a reasonable state of repair, considering its age and rent.

So, members, we’ll leave it up to you–what do you make of this tenant’s predicament? Let us know in the comments.

The hand washing basin is a fixture, and as such, is the responsibility of the landlord. End of discussion. Even assuming the tenant deliberately broke the basin, the measure of her cost to replace it, would be the amount the basin would have sold for online or at a garage sale.

 

[IAN3005]

One thing I know for certain is that a lot of the time the repairs they charge for aren’t actually done. I have returned to a couple of places that I was charged for repairs, a couple of little scratches, and found there were never done. The real estate had taken my money and kept it.
I know of three other people that have had the samedone to them

threaten Fair trading and demand to see the repairs. All for wear and tear. Make sure that the condition report is completed.

 

[Ricci]

I don't know why the landlord wouldn't replace the washbasin, after all he would be claiming the expense against his income from the rental on his tax return.

 

[KSS]

Light bulbs are the tenant's responsibility. Change it yourself and save $140 less the cost of the globe!

The wash basin is a different matter. Is there evidence that the tenant actually damaged it through misuse, accidental or deliberate acts? If there is then the tenant would be responsible. However, if this is the only damage in the property it seems highly unlikely that any action of the tenant is to blame.

If I were the tenant, I would get a plumber to assess the basin and provide written advice as to how to deal with it (i.e. probable cause (e.g. age of fitting, material stress, misuse etc, i.e. is it just a crack in the glazing or has the structure been compromised,) then what to do: repair, replacement, or do nothing). Then, go to Bunnings and price a similar-looking basin and get a quote for installation. Depending on the plumber report, and the costing of a replacement, take the case to Fair Trading or the local Tenancy Tribunal.

 

[Macarj]

Neither of those things are the renters responsibility it is the landlord who pays for items needing replacement unless it is an actual damage by the renter normal wearing out is at the landlords cost

 

[mOiOz]

One thing I know for certain is that a lot of the time the repairs they charge for aren’t actually done. I have returned to a couple of places that I was charged for repairs, a couple of little scratches, and found there were never done. The real estate had taken my money and kept it.
I know of three other people that have had the samedone to them

Add me as number 4.

 

[mOiOz]

When I was moving out of a townhouse complex about 15 years ago, the landlord insisted that the new ruling was all tenants leaving would have $500 deducted from their deposit so the landlord could clean it.

Having left the unit cleaner than when I moved in (even before the exiting clean) I refused and called the RTA, who advised me that if it wasn't in the initial contract, he had no rights.

 

[Annna]

A hand washing basin is a fixture in a property.

The hand washing basin is a fixture, and as such, is the responsibility of the landlord. End of discussion. Even assuming the tenant deliberately broke the basin, the measure of her cost to replace it, would be the amount the basin would have sold for online or at a garage sale.

Repair cost for damage by tenants either maliciously or recklessly (acting without care for fixtures) can be obtained from tenants.

It is not right to assert that deliberate breakages should be excused.

In such circumstances, the items should be repaired at the tenant's cost rather than replaced.

 

[Nana Zorak]

Any landlord worth his salt would be well-read in the RTA's book of rules for renters. That every 10 years the place should be repainted & new carpet laid & wear & tear of the property taken into account. That is in the Queensland rules anyway.We have been here 15 years & none of that has been done here. As the land is going to be built on in the next few years & this house demolished to make way for expensive townhouses I doubt if anything will be done, at least I got a decent dishwasher this time the last one broke.

 

[Cyberchook]

New to renting or not, take photos of all interior and exterior aspects that could be charged to you like these. Doesn't everyone know how to change a light globe? I bet that landlord or a crony did that for $140, Absurd charging. In my past renting experience, I was never asked to replace anything but I also looked after the places as if my own. I would still choose other investments other than being a landlord with so many shysters offering very underwhelming options now and the odd but existing bad tenant.

This is a quite a hornet's nest topic after all!!:+{

 

[PepeLePew]

My friends daughter rents a 2brm unit which came supplied with curtains and mould, yes MOULD covered bathroom walls. The curtains were vinyl backed and very badly deteriorated to the point where you could see through them. At her first inspection she asked the Real Estate Representative if they could replace the curtains and remove the mould. She was told it was her responsibility to fix the problems if she didn't like them as they were. Another friend of mine had some curtains to give away so that problem was solved but her mum had to go over and help her scrub every wall and the ceiling in the bathroom themselves to get rid of the mould. Obviously you can't get mould out of the Sealant around the sink, bath & windows so the Real Estate had somebody come to replace that but he only did the worst parts of it and left the rest. When she asked to be reimbursed for the cost of the mould remover she was told that since she chose to clean it off then it was not up to them to pay her back for it. WTF!

 

[Jennylolo]

what about landlord's insurance? NO mention of this. The basin is a fixture.

 

[IAN3005]

Light bulbs are the tenant's responsibility. Change it yourself and save $140 less the cost of the globe!

The wash basin is a different matter. Is there evidence that the tenant actually damaged it through misuse, accidental or deliberate acts? If there is then the tenant would be responsible. However, if this is the only damage in the property it seems highly unlikely that any action of the tenant is to blame.

If I were the tenant, I would get a plumber to assess the basin and provide written advice as to how to deal with it (i.e. probable cause (e.g. age of fitting, material stress, misuse etc, i.e. is it just a crack in the glazing or has the structure been compromised,) then what to do: repair, replacement, or do nothing). Then, go to Bunnings and price a similar-looking basin and get a quote for installation. Depending on the plumber report, and the costing of a replacement, take the case to Fair Trading or the local Tenancy Tribunal.

impossible to change LCD'S

 

[IAN3005]

I don't know why the landlord wouldn't replace the washbasin, after all he would be claiming the expense against his income from the rental on his tax return.

He did that anyway and got two bites at the cherry.....you have to stand up for yourself.

 

[POG]

Ah, real estate – it's something of a hot topic these days. Whether you're a renter, a landlord, or a homeowner, chances are it can cause some stress.

Renters especially have had to deal with a lot over the years – high rent prices, landlords not upkeeping their properties and now, adding insult to injury, a lot of agents asking for ridiculous fees for the smallest of things.

That's exactly what happened to one tenant in Australia recently, who was shocked when their real estate agent asked for over $1,000 to replace items at their rental property.

An Australian real estate agent's request for a tenant to pay a whopping $1,040 to replace two items in a rental property has got the online world up in arms, sparking a fiery debate.

‘My REA (real estate agent) is charging me $140 to change this outdoor light bulb and $900 to replace the entire wash basin,’ the renter disclosed on a Facebook group. The renter also uploaded images showing the light bulb and the tiny crack in the wash basin.

View attachment 21128

The outrageous demand sparked a discussion online. Credit: Oleksandr Pidvalnyi/Pexels

As the renter explained, the $140 charge for the lightbulb was due to the need to hire a labourer.

The tenant then posed a query to the online community: ‘Am I wrong in assuming that shouldn't be something I have to pay for?’

Furthermore, the renter added their two cents about the wash basin, admitting that they had never really noticed the minuscule crack and that it hadn't caused any leaks.

‘Is this fair for them to charge me to replace the entire thing?’ they asked.

The post sparked an intense debate among commenters, with many finding the charges utterly ludicrous.

View attachment 21129

These photos were uploaded online. Credit: Facebook

‘They cannot charge you to change a light bulb,’ one person asserted, while another added, ‘These people have absolutely no morals.’

A third internet user chimed in with: ‘What a joke.’

‘How old is the basin? Aside from a crack likely being fair wear and tear, landlords think they can replace old for new and have the tenants wear the cost, but fixtures depreciate,’ another claimed.

However, others defended the agent's actions, arguing that light bulbs are indeed a tenant's responsibility, assuming they were functional when initially provided.

A real estate agent also weighed in.

‘If the tenant has dropped something on it (referring to the wash basin), causing the crack, then yes. They are responsible,’ said Tam Leslie, Director for Ray White Albany.

‘If the sink was in new condition with no damage prior, then yes. they could charge full replacement as this wouldn't be normal wear,’ she continued.

‘If it was aged, then you couldn't charge full replacement as you would need to depreciate.’

Let's dive into what the official regulations say.

In NSW, according to Fair Trading NSW, tenants are responsible for minor maintenance tasks, such as replacing light bulbs, dusting, cleaning windows, removing cobwebs, and routine gardening jobs like watering, weeding, and mowing.

However, landlords have a responsibility to ensure the property is in a reasonable state of repair, taking into consideration factors like the property's age, rent amount, and prospective life.

Nonetheless, this does not necessarily mean the rental property must be in perfect, pristine condition.

View attachment 21135

Take note of these points. Image credit: The Seniors Discount Club

Fair Trading NSW also emphasised that tenants who believe a rent increase is unreasonable or a charge is unjust can bring their concerns to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Our recommendation for all you renters out there is to always know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant and make sure to consult official sources before taking any action.

That way, you'll have the confidence to stand up to real estate agents if they make any outrageous demands.

Key Takeaways

• An Australian real estate agent's request for a tenant to pay over $1,000 to replace two items at a rental property has caused controversy online.
• The tenant was asked to pay $140 to change an outdoor light bulb and $900 to replace a cracked wash basin.
• Many commenters on the tenant's Facebook post argued that the charges were excessive and unfair.
• According to Fair Trading NSW, tenants are responsible for minor maintenance, while landlords are responsible for repairing and maintaining the property in a reasonable state of repair, considering its age and rent.

So, members, we’ll leave it up to you–what do you make of this tenant’s predicament? Let us know in the comments.

Light bulbs have a life span, hence classified as wear and tear, so the landlord is responsible. For the cracked sink: if new the tenant should replace it, if old it can be repaired since there are products on the market that can do this. Who is responsible to repair this would be the tenant. A handy family member can easily do it. There shouldn't be any cause for argument for either item.

 

[Joydie]

Repair cost for damage by tenants either maliciously or recklessly (acting without care for fixtures) can be obtained from tenants.

It is not right to assert that deliberate breakages should be excused.

In such circumstances, the items should be repaired at the tenant's cost rather than replaced.

That’s not what I said. I said the measure of cost to the tenant is the depreciated value of the item, not the replacement value. We’ve been landlords. Why would I want to excuse deliberate damage?