In 2022 I moved into a new apartment with my family and the landlord had specifically told us to report any issues that we have so they can claim under warranty with the builder. The warranty is 1.5 years and during that time we have reported all issues relating to the apartment to have repaired.
During this time, we reported about a hot water issue in the kitchen sink that was not working very well, showers and other hot water supplied areas in unit was working just kitchen sink was not. As we reported in person when they have come several times during our stay in the first year and a half, we have no record of it in writing thus, no evidence of us ever reporting.
As the problem got worse and the builders/building management never came to check the situation when it was said it’d be done, the situation got worse and the hot water started not working in other sinks of the unit. I then reported to landlord in writing officially and by that time it has been well over 1.5 years. Once I have formally brought it up once more, we have had discussions on the warranty expiry and that they could do nothing more and now it is on me to pay for it.
I was stupid, I know and blindly agreed to pay for repairs without knowing my tenancy rights stated in contract. It was only when I was talking to the plumber and had to call landlord to ask for approval in regards to the repairs that the plumber mentioned that regardless, the landlord should cover any damage repairs up to $1000. After hearing that, I reviewed my contract to confirm, and have asked around in regards to this. As I was a first time renter, I was not very well aware of this.
I brought it up to my landlord and now they refuse to pay for repairs as it was negligence on my part for not informing them during the warranty period and because I previously agreed to paying for repairs that it is now my responsibility. I don’t know what to do at this point, in regards to repairs, the water temperature valve needed replacement and the kitchen sink tap mixer needed to be replaced as the cartridge in the tap was faulty. When i called the landlord to confirm repairs on whether they wanted a random tap replacement or if they wanted a specific tap, they said theyd order a specific one to be replaced and that i’d have to pay for it, which of course I did at the time. The tap was $404 and replacement fees+new temperature valve fee for plumber was $727.10.
In this instance who is responsible? Am I responsible for apparently being negligent in reporting thus missing the warranty time period or regardless of warranty or not should the landlord still be responsible for any repairs not damaged by tenant?
This is in NSW to save you a click.