Tenant Advice Needed Please

Jnarod on 27/05/2015 - 20:35

I'm a new tenant in an apartment with a wooden floor. Upon moving in we noticed one of the floorboards was cracked and sagging and needed repair. It was hidden under a kitchen table when we viewed (Our oversight I know). We noted it in the condition report when we moved in and sent it to our property management company (Who have been so unhelpful on so many levels since we moved in…..but that's another tale).

Two weeks after sending off our condition report a handyman arrived and attempted to repair the floor but was unable. He did what he described as a temporary repair by pulling up a lump of the floor and filling the gap with yellow putty which has hardened now. He explained he was not a flooring specialist and said he'd advise our prop mgmt company that was what was needed in this case. We are now a month in the house with no sign of repair and the property management company say that this temporary repair "should last a few months without any further issues". They say they will contact the owner about the repair but can't give a time frame. In the mean time we have a nice yellow putty filled hole in the middle of our floor.

Do we have any rights as tenants? Research online suggests we have but it doesn't go into specifics. Anyone had similar experiences?

All input is appreciated as always,

Jnarod

Home & Garden

Comments

  • pjetson on 27/05/2015 - 20:49
    +1

    What is your actual complaint? Is the yellow putty just visually annoying?

    • Jnarod on 27/05/2015 - 23:28

      Hi pjetson,

      Unfortunately the 'temporary repair' means the floor is now uneven in the centre of our small living/kitchen area so effecting functionality which is frustrating.

      Thanks for taking the time to reply

      • pjetson on 28/05/2015 - 08:59

        In what way is the temporary repair affecting functionality? I'm not sure why you're not able to explain exactly what the problem is.

        • Jnarod on 28/05/2015 - 20:04

          What would you define as the functionality of a floor pjetson? Especially a kitchen floor? The area of floor affected is where our kitchen table resided but this is now no longer possible as the floor is uneven and sagging in the affected area. As the kitchen is very small our table now resides right up against our gas hob which effects functionality

          I believe I'm explaining perfectly what the problem is. I'm unsure what it is about the problem you are unable to grasp.

        • pjetson on 29/05/2015 - 08:38
          +2

          @Jnarod: Your OP simply said that the floor had been repaired with yellow putty. Eventually, you added that the floor was uneven. Only now you have added that it is sagging, and that you've had to move your table, a couple of days after your OP. Were we supposed to guess at the sagging, because I can't see where you've explained that before.

          I've just been trying to understand what the problem actually is. And now you seem to be getting cross at me for asking. And you're asking others to relax on the attitude. Sigh.

          If I tried putting all your little snippets of information together, and making a few guesses, maybe I could divine what the problem is. Or, perhaps you could actually state it.

          Is the problem that you don't like that a temporary repair has been made? Do you not like the way that the temporary repair has been made? Do you not like that the filler is yellow? Is the floor now unsafe? Does the table wobble when you put the table where you want to put it?

          And exactly what resolution are you looking for?

        • Jnarod on 30/05/2015 - 11:50

          @pjetson:
          Sorry pjetson my annoyance was actually more at your tone when claiming I'm not able to explain what the problem is as I thought I had at that point and you were simply failing to grasp it. This comment was posted immediately after me clarifying that the floor is in fact uneven, in my book and uneven floor effects functionality.

          Most commenters here have been helpful, some have been dismissive, I guess you simply come across as quite patronising without actually offering any helpful advice or opinion. This is reinforced again in your above comment with the addition of a 'sigh' and the inclusion of a dig at the problem not being stated.

          Although I appreciate your input it just doesn't seem to be in any way in the nature of what forums such as these can be used for. Discussion and of course helping others who are looking for it. If you read some of the other comments bellow they provide links to possible solutions or give helpful opinions and in some cases speak of their own experiences. There will always be some though who log on simply to be negative or have dig at others

        • pjetson on 30/05/2015 - 14:30

          @Jnarod: Like everyone else here, I can only stand on my record, which anyone can see by looking at my posts. Equally, anyone can look at your record.

          If you had explained at the beginning exactly what your problem was, perhaps the outcome may have been different.

        • Jnarod on 30/05/2015 - 16:01
          +1

          @pjetson:
          I haven't taken the time to look at your record but I'm sure it's very good. Maybe this is simply an instance where you haven't had a similar experience.

          Thanks for taking the time to read my post and I hope going forward if you have anything where you are looking for advice or opinions I can help.

        • ankor on 06/06/2015 - 15:08

          @Jnarod:

          I also didn't understand what you were talking about until you explained further. But yes, I would also be a bit miffed in your shoes.
          What about the old trick of putting a bunch of beer coasters right at the spot where the sagging part of the floor is?
          Not elegant, but perhaps functional.

  • trex on 27/05/2015 - 21:33
    +1

    Read here. If the landlord doesn't get it repaired looks like you will have to go through tribunal.

    • Jnarod on 27/05/2015 - 23:29

      Thanks a lot trex, appreciate you taking the time to source that link.I'd read that myself there is a section that could apply.

      "to make any repairs referred to in the original condition report"

      Was more trying to gauge from others experience what property managements actually do in these scenarios

  • Davo1111 on 27/05/2015 - 21:37
    +3

    It's not a critical issue is it?

    Just photograph the issue and move on. Really your only concern is that you don't want to be charged for it when you leave. It really doesn't change the functionality of the house

    • Jnarod on 27/05/2015 - 23:27

      Hi Davo1111,

      Not a critical issue just effecting the functionality of what is a small living space and also a little frustrating as we are literally just through the door as well.

      Thanks for taking the time to reply

  • smpantsonfire on 27/05/2015 - 22:25
    +1

    Get over it. More so, put a mat over it. If it ins't affecting you living there, why even bother?

    • Jnarod on 27/05/2015 - 23:25

      Hi smpantsonfire,

      Wouldn't be an issue at all but unfortunately there's now a dip in the ground in the middle of our small living space. It's not something that's a major issue I was just reaching out to try and get some info on options.

      Thanks for taking the time to reply though

  • Nutrino on 27/05/2015 - 23:36
    +3

    Demand that it's fixed properly so you can move on in your life. You don't have to thank me.

    • Jnarod on 27/05/2015 - 23:40

      I'm typing an aggressively worded mail demanding a repair immediately, simples

      • derpdeder on 28/05/2015 - 07:33

        Hope you signed a long lease. Demanding a cosmetic repair is a sure fire way not to have your lease renewed.

  • purplelady on 28/05/2015 - 09:23
    +2

    Is it dangerous though? if it is, then you can argue. But if it's not, and if your agent/landlord is not a good one, it might take a while to get it fixed.

    • Jnarod on 28/05/2015 - 20:06

      To be honest lilmisswendy it's not dangerous just more about our little kitchen suffering a bit. It's not a make or break issue at all I've just never before dealt with a property manager so was looking for opinions. In this case might be best just to build a bridge and move on.

  • mlychn on 28/05/2015 - 13:09
    +1

    I agree with lilmisswendy. Is it a safety concern or hazard? If so, you could send them a stern written email/letter stating you want it fixed otherwise you will have to file an RTA notice to remedy breach as the lessor would technically be breaching the contract if it was a safety hazard.

    If it's not a hazard you will just have to keep nagging them until it gets done. Unfortunately some landlords just don't care enough..

    What type of real estate/agent are you going through? I have dealt with a very small real estate agency in the past when I was renting. They were very unprofessional, and always hired these "handymen" who never fixed things properly.

    • Jnarod on 28/05/2015 - 20:08

      Yeah our handyman was a good guy but basically said he just does bit's and bobs so couldn't help with this. Real Estate company are wall enough alright. Seems like it may be more trouble than it's worth to chase them but it's quite a small apartment so we don't have much floor space as is

  • spackbace on 28/05/2015 - 19:08

    Wow, I've had owners take over 12 months to replace an a/c unit, and you're complaining about an uneven floor…!

    Pick your battles. Unfortunately it seems you've picked this one, so next time you need to fight for something, the property manager is probably going to care less and less.

  • Jnarod on 28/05/2015 - 19:57
    +4

    Wow, lot of negative responses here. If I'm coming across as a high maintenance tenant I assure you I'm not. I'm less than a month into my lease and have had part of my floor ripped up in the middle of my tiny kitchen. All I was looking to gather from my post was some feedback about peoples experiences with property managers.

    Thanks to those who've been helpful and provided advice.

    To those who are claiming this is a superficial repair etc and advising me to pick my battles, this is not a battle. I haven't been hassling my property manager and abusing them etc. I'm just wondering what others would do in this scenario. With most of you it just appears you'd just live with an uneven floor filled in with bright yellow putty, maybe that's the best bet in the long run to ensure the bigger issues are dealt with in a timely manner, cheers for the input, but relax on the attitude, I'm just looking for feedback, that is all. That's a primary reason for these forums.

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