Real Estate Asked us to Pay $4500 for Wall and Carpet Damages

LRangeTolkoma on 23/08/2019 - 13:06
Last edited 23/08/2019 - 16:26

Hi,

I recently moved out from a 2 bedroom unit(plus small study area) where i lived for 3 years. I got email from Real estate agent advising me to Pay $2800 for wall damage. Stupid of me, i tried to patch the wall(6 spots) which happened due to those 3m tape for hanging picture frame. Except these damages,there are other paint chips and cracks(4-5 of them were already there when we moved in)

Though i accept the responsibility of patching the wall, i was wondering is the money asked is reasonable?

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=11fj91Ox2FYWiBb3TDGlr…

There was also some stain marks on 2 bedrooms. Apartment was flooded couple of years back and strata/real estate didnot cleaned/fixed for 10 days.Because of that carpet in lounge and around kitchen has been damaged(they didnot claimed any money of it). We tried to keep the rooms as good as possible but there are stains(we accept it but again carpet was wet for 10 days and stains are from that period) and asked again for $1700 for that. Shall i pay all the money and move on? Or is there any remedy?

Hoping to get some advice from fellow ozbargain ers.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • msmhw on 23/08/2019 - 13:16
    +6

    You can always negotiate with them. If you both didn’t agree to a specific amount you will end up in nsw tribunal. Usually agents try to avoid to go to the tribuna, As they may lose more (time/money). I will suggest to offer 1/3 of what they want or whatever you think it’s reasonable.

    • RangeTolkoma on 23/08/2019 - 13:23

      Thanks for your reply. They do not pick up their phone neither reply emails. I am trying to be in touch.

      • msmhw on 23/08/2019 - 13:25
        +10

        Better to keep communications by emails and give them some time to reply. As long as they didn’t ask to release your bond there is nothing they can harm you with.

        Don’t show them you are inpatient or afraid of them.

        • RangeTolkoma on 23/08/2019 - 13:28

          Thanks. I will keep that in mind. Is $2800 normal for this damages? It is my first rental property and do not have any idea regarding that.

          • klonky on 23/08/2019 - 13:33
            +7

            @RangeTolkoma: From the photos you provided the cost is completely unreasonable. Some filler, sanding and a repaint would make it look like new which a handyman could do for a couple of hundred dollars.

            • RangeTolkoma on 23/08/2019 - 13:34

              @klonky: Thanks. I got afraid because i patched the wall.

            • azonki on 24/08/2019 - 10:29
              +1

              @klonky: Please supply me the details for your handyman.
              Anyone that can repair, undercoat, and apply two finish coats to the walls in two rooms, no matter the size, is a genius!
              I did handyman work over 10 years ago and my base charge for a simple, four walled bedroom was $200 plus materials - repairs extra.
              I used to get a lot of work from owners that had either tried to DIY or had employed the cheapest person they could find.
              Not the best way to protect their investment.
              That said, $2800.00 is over the top for two rooms.

              • SnoozeAndLose on 24/08/2019 - 10:33
                +5

                @azonki: $2800 can do the whole 2 bedrooms unit

              • RangeTolkoma on 24/08/2019 - 12:44

                @azonki: Thanks. Can you please help me figure out how much would be reasonable amount shall i offer? I am willing to pay for fixing the damages i have done but do not want to pay extra money.

          • msmhw on 23/08/2019 - 13:41
            +4

            @RangeTolkoma: No, it’s way a lot than normal. It’s an opportunity for the agent/owner to take more money from you. They may tell you they need to replace the carpet or re-do the walls because of the damages and this amount to cover that. But under the law it’s not your responsibility to pay for re-doing the whole thing. You only need to pay to fix the damages which I think It should cost you less than a $1000 for both

            I had similar experience with my previous landlord and we ended Up in tribunal. The landlord was asking for ~$2000 but ended paying only ~$300

            • RangeTolkoma on 23/08/2019 - 13:42

              @msmhw: Thanks. I will go to tribunal if they insist me paying that sum. I was ready to give up my bond but $4500 was shocking.

              • msmhw on 23/08/2019 - 13:55
                +3

                @RangeTolkoma: Even giving up your bond it’s a lot of money :)
                Just offer them $500 or $700 and see what they going to say.

                Also keep the recipes of cleaning the appartments if you brought your own. You may need it in the tribunal.

                Just try don’t over think about it.

                Good luck with them.

              • [Deactivated] on 23/08/2019 - 19:04
                +2

                @RangeTolkoma: Never give up your bond. It'll make it harder to find another rental later on. Try to negotiate with them and pay it in cash, after they've agreed to return your bond in writing.

          • elgrande on 23/08/2019 - 20:43
            +8

            @RangeTolkoma: Ask for a copy of the repair quotes. I bet they are repainting the entire apartment.

          • kaleidoscope on 24/08/2019 - 19:09
            +2

            @RangeTolkoma: Thats insane amount they're charging you for. 3 years of living some wear and tear to be expected. I'd say push them back and ask them to justify. Or else you can ask time to rectify for which you can diy these. Some light filler/ sanding and get a paint sample to bunnings and they will match the colour for you.

    • athk on 24/08/2019 - 15:36
      +1

      Most Landlords avoid tribunal if they can't go in person as most if not all property managers charge a flat rate or hourly rate to attend on the Landlord's behalf.

  • pyramid on 23/08/2019 - 13:20
    +2

    Did you have final inspection with RE? Also during final inspection, did you agree on damage with RE? Also do you have pics of your place when you moved in first time?

    • RangeTolkoma on 23/08/2019 - 13:24

      Thanks. I did not agree on the damages. I replied saying i will rearrange the cleaner to clean the property again(cleaner was dodgy and cleaner cleaned it again and told the wall damage seems to be wear and tear. I beileve i do have the pics and apartment was new when we moved in.

  • fullmetal on 23/08/2019 - 13:21
    +2

    Did they provide you with an official quote to repair the damages? Ask for the breakdown.

    • RangeTolkoma on 23/08/2019 - 13:26

      They sent me email with some sort of invoice.
      https://drive.google.com/file/d/12iweHTlKO9ncBgtMdK4CZLrNket…

      • klonky on 23/08/2019 - 13:30
        +8

        That cost is entering the realm of replacing the entire drywall. The invoice does not justify the work they intend to do to repair the damage.

        • RangeTolkoma on 23/08/2019 - 13:33

          Thanks. I patched the wall only on lounge other wall marks and scuffs are just there. I always believed these marks and suffs are normal wear and tear.

          • HighAndDry on 23/08/2019 - 14:14
            +7

            @RangeTolkoma:

            other wall marks and scuffs are just there. I always believed these marks and suffs are normal wear and tear.

            Arguable. Imo not really. You can use a property without scuffing up the wall.

            • RangeTolkoma on 23/08/2019 - 14:21
              -2

              @HighAndDry: Thanks. I tried my best not to scuff the property nor damage any part. I made a mistake by not using those damage free hanging 3m tape properly and tried to patch it.

      • Numpty21 on 23/08/2019 - 13:32
        +8

        That's not a detailed quote.
        Ask them for a detailed breakdown of the wall repairs.

        Carpet i wouldn't be paying anything, they've already said it was damaged previously and should have been replaced after the flood.

        • RangeTolkoma on 23/08/2019 - 13:39

          Thanks. I will ask them. Carpet got flooded when we were living there. Whole apartment was flooded not just the lounge and kitchen.

      • redfox1200 on 23/08/2019 - 16:00
        +3

        "owner decided not to charge" for those other items, which are not your responsibiliy anyway. you can probably get someone to fix the drywall for $300

    • garetz on 23/08/2019 - 13:32
      +8

      Better yet, ask for 3 quotes, they should offer you options, not just 1 quote. the quotes should specify damages and what is required to fix it.

      If its just painting then $2800 is way over what it should cost, at least 5x, if it requires plastering, shouldnt cost more than $600.

      As for the carpet, let them know the damage was due to the flooding, and not your responsibility, considering how unreasonable the costs are, you will probably need to take it to the tribunal.

      • RangeTolkoma on 23/08/2019 - 13:35

        Thank you. I will ask them when they reply back. Regarding carpet, i agree those stains are due to me as i lived there but i still think stains are because of flooding as i couldnot clean it.

        • tomsco on 23/08/2019 - 14:46

          Do you have any pictures of the carpet? What would you have done to cause the stains?

  • Kangal on 23/08/2019 - 13:39
    +1

    Looks like wear and tear.
    You probably shouldn't have tried to fix it, or admit to trying to fix it. Because now there's some culpability from your side.

    Perhaps offer them something you find reasonable ($500 ?), and explain that is the amount that is expected for minor damage caused by general use. State that the figure given to you is absolutely not acceptable. And if the agent is not satisfied with your offer, they are free to pursue things further by the tribunal.

    Chances are they will get back to you with BS like they want to resolve this quickly and not through the tribunal, and might counter-offer you something like $1,500 instead. It's up to you to decide. But I think an experienced agent knows if this goes to a judge, they will see the amount is unreasonable too and offer damages like $500-$1,500 anyway. Not to mention the extra stress, time, and perhaps legal fees the agent/landlord would spend. So if you take their counter-offer you're probably doing them a favour anyway. Agents hate doing their job, they love getting commissions though, so if you resist enough they might forget about it altogether.

    …unless there are other damages which you haven't shared with us, and the agent/landlord is actually in the right to ask for that amount

    • RangeTolkoma on 23/08/2019 - 13:43

      Thank you so much. I got impulsive and replied straight away saying i do not agree with paying $4500 and will go to tribunal but didnot mentioned anything about carpet just the wall.

      • Kangal on 23/08/2019 - 13:48
        +1

        Good.
        If they want money, let them earn it. They need to prove the damage was beyond wear and tear, and that the quotes are reasonable.
        You shouldn't sit idly. Get some good quotes yourself, but keep them to yourself. And find examples of wear and tear that have been permissible. You should seek some legal advice too. Sounds like you're a "pushover" and they want to exploit that, instead of being happy that the property was reasonably looked after and all the bills/rent was paid in-full.

        • RangeTolkoma on 23/08/2019 - 13:54

          I have never spoken to this agent properly. Did not even bothered to come for inspection in last 2 years and when i mentioned the carpet is damaged and its hard to be in the lounge, i got no reply. I will get some quotes as you advised but unsure where to go for legal advice on this matter( i only know migration agents lol). Thank a lot for your advices.

    • qwerty on 23/08/2019 - 15:12
      -3

      LOL thats not wear and tear and 100% not wear and tear living 3 years in a brand new place with new walls

      • RangeTolkoma on 23/08/2019 - 16:32

        Shall i pay $2800 for these wall scuffs,marks and patches?.

          • Eeples on 30/08/2019 - 18:09

            @qwerty: This is not about that time you had that bad tenant and wrecked up your rental and he wouldn't pay.

  • Frankenbeanie on 23/08/2019 - 14:41
    +6

    how old do you think the carpet is? If its ten or more years old then its value in the eyes of ATO and tribunal is zero. the landlord isn't entitled to any costs once the carpet has reached 10 years mark. Not sure if this Australia wide law but definitely a thing in NSW so please double check. (see 'lifespan' section in the below link)

    We had iron burn marks (not fully burnt but burns nevertheless) on the carpet of the rented apartment and when we moved out. I got the quotes from a few people to fix but it was way too much.So i did not opt to fix. My intention was to offer them money towards getting a new carpet because paying 700 to fix two marks didnt sound like a good idea. the agent wanted us to fix the carpet which was gonna cost too much so i casually mentioned look the carpet is already ten years old and its value is zero. They quickly backed tracked and never mentioned the carpet damage again. Landlord didnt want any money towards the new carpet either.

    Also landlords must limit their losses so if they didnt take any action for ten days. If they had taken action earlier the loss could have been less. (see 'Landlord must limit losses' section in the article linked below).

    http://www.tenantsrights.org.au/Resources/2.%20Bond/Particul….

    • RangeTolkoma on 23/08/2019 - 14:55
      +1

      Thanks for your help. We were first tenant so the carpet is 3 years old. Though, there was flooding around 2 and half years ago as a result of that lounge and kitchen area's carpet is damaged(which REA is not claiming as damage from our side). Though, bedroom carpets are ok but there are some stains(didnot went away with prof carpet cleaner) and i am been asked to pay for that. In my defence i would say carpet was flooded and wet for almost 2 weeks and stains were as a result of that.

      • Frankenbeanie on 23/08/2019 - 15:44

        no problems.

        ohkey. obviously you cant do the ten year rule thing then.

        If the stains are not a result of normal use of the carpet and caused by you e.g spills/vomit etc then i think you are liable for that damage.
        May be negotiate a lower amount.

        Good luck.

  • ShortyX on 23/08/2019 - 15:19
    +2

    OP - FYI, you can see your name and email address in the Google sharing link.

    • RangeTolkoma on 23/08/2019 - 16:25

      Thanks. I will change it.

  • Baysew on 23/08/2019 - 16:50
    +5

    Ask Real Estate Agent to get Mexico to pay for it.

  • RangeTolkoma on 23/08/2019 - 17:47

    As suggested i have tried to get quote for the drywall patch and paint job. But most of them are requesting visible inspection of property but i have already moved out and do not have access to the apartment. I do i get the quote now?
    Thanks

    • qwerty on 23/08/2019 - 18:23
      +1

      Call the landlord and ask to get access to get a quote to repair .

  • jackinyourbox on 23/08/2019 - 17:59

    Excessive payment for three year lease. Carpet has a 6 year life span.

  • dbui8743 on 23/08/2019 - 19:29
    +2

    Take them to tribunal if they do not budge. This is completely unreasonable.

    I went through something similar, but smaller claims, where I had two small stains on the carpet, because they carpeted around the kitchen area, only left small tiled area for you to do the cooking.

    Asked me for 650, and I offered to cover half of it, just to saved both sometimes. We had 4 hearings, because the agent did not even care to show up for 3. They ended up paying for all the fees and were awarded 180$ for damages.

    • RangeTolkoma on 23/08/2019 - 23:41
      +2

      Thank you. I have got couple of quotes from local painters. Two of them asked for $250 and another one asked $750 for patch and fixing. What REA asked seems really really outrageous.

    • geoffs87 on 24/08/2019 - 14:14

      Huh? Many carpeted houses have carpet up to kitchen, with only the inner kitchen tiled…

      • dbui8743 on 24/08/2019 - 14:40

        Yeah, what i meant is once you have that, you should expect simple wear and tears. 2 small spots is definitely wear and tear. I stayed there 5 years as well, forgot to mention.

        • geoffs87 on 24/08/2019 - 16:46

          Ah yeah 5 years with a couple stains is def wear and tear, my 2 year old carpet has a couple pee and vomit stains that were persistent slightly even after cleaning. I think after 5 years, as long as you did your best to clean that should be ok!? Else it’s end of depreciated life anyway. $180 sounds fair I suppose (unlucky for them!)

  • try2bhelpful on 23/08/2019 - 19:29
    +1

    Talk to the NSW tenants union.

  • elgrande on 23/08/2019 - 20:46
    +4

    You can lodge a request for your bond back. Then the landlord has to take you to the tribunal to dispute. If you wait until they lodge the bond request, you will have to lodge the tribunal application.

    • RangeTolkoma on 23/08/2019 - 23:43

      Will there be any difference if i request bond claim first? Shall i claim bond in full or just claim bond deducting paint job quote?

      • Quantumcat on 24/08/2019 - 09:09
        +2

        Claim bond in full

      • elgrande on 24/08/2019 - 10:55
        +2

        The difference is that they will be the party that will need to lodge the application to the tribunal if they dispute it. They have a time frame I think its 14 days.

        • factor on 24/08/2019 - 11:27

          Definitely lodge first in case of dispute. You are at risk of a dodgy agent if you don't.

          As above, the cost and paperwork of initiating tribunal action is then on the agent.

          Also, if the agent claims first - are you sure the bond board has your correct contact details? The agent need not tell you they have lodged. The bond board will write to you … at what address?! You lose the bond by default if they lodge and you don't dispute.

      • Melong on 24/08/2019 - 11:48

        This looks like standard wear and tear, if anyone was living there, this would be a reasonable, do not pay anything

  • HardlyCharly on 23/08/2019 - 23:10
    +3

    Don't. Gather up all evidence you have for existing damage (condition report/pictures from when you moved in), the carpet flooding (communication with real estate etc) which absolutely isn't your responsibility, and request access to get your own quote on the patch jobs you know are your fault. Don't budge an inch and take it to tribunal if you have to.

    • RangeTolkoma on 23/08/2019 - 23:44

      I am gathering all the evidence. I do have 6-7 emails between me and REA regarding the flooding. Till now i got 3 quote for paint job 2 of them quoting $250 and another one $750.

  • HeWhoKnows on 24/08/2019 - 09:37
    +1

    OP should pay for whatever damage they caused.

    Just remember with the wall its not just patching the walls. They also need to be painted. A painter today will normally quote about $650 per room including repairs as a guide. Remember thats 4 walls repaired and painted - 2 coats. i.e. $115 per wall when entire apartment is painted. But NOT for a single wall. Always much more

    So answer to first question is YES its quite excessive. $2800 is enough to repaint a small 1 br unit and over half of a 2 br unit. But this just includes patching small holes and peeling paint. Not major remedial works.

    As for the carpets it is unclear who or what caused the flooding. If the flooding wasnt caused by OP then they should have to pay for it. However did OP notify the agent or owner so they could act on it immediately? If not then OP could be considered to have contibuted to the carpet damage. But such stains are usually removed with a good carpet steam clean.

    • srr on 24/08/2019 - 22:55
      -1

      Well that's not fair. Landlords depreciate properties to the ground to increase negative gearing but in the same time don't accept the depreciation.

  • [Deactivated] on 24/08/2019 - 11:53
    +1

    username

  • stumo on 24/08/2019 - 12:59
    +3

    Dont pay a cent. Youve been there for 3 years, so thats already 3 years (of 10y total) worth of depreciation. Any amount you pay has to be reduced by at least 30%. And thats assuning the stuff was brand new when you moved in (and can be proven)

    This is before you even get to the point of establishing liability. If the walls arent actually damaged (ie no holes, only patched), then theres SFA they can do about it. Its classed as wear and tear.

    The carpet also sounds like it isnt your fault at all.

    In the first instance you need to contact your state tennants union. This is their job and its what they live for. They can advise you of all this and help at the tribunal of it comes to that.

    • monkeyfood on 24/08/2019 - 13:58
      +2

      the tribunal usually sides with the renters so go ahead and say it is all wear and tear nothing to lose here except the real estates time

  • Caped Baldy on 24/08/2019 - 14:15

    I'm not a landlord nor have I rented. But shouldn't the agent be doing annual inspections. It seems they've been slack. Ask for their condition photos from before you moved in so you can compare the existing damage.

    I would have figured the carpet is the owner's responsibility.

    • RangeTolkoma on 24/08/2019 - 14:59

      I can remember agent came twice in three year and both times he/she came and took some pictures of oven, toilets, balcony and left in 2 mins. Owner has new agent managing the property after we left. Both of the agents has been in touch with me. Since, i moved interstate i vacated apartment 2 weeks early and even cleaned it professionally as per RE timeframe.
      Another fact is RE has been touch with my cleaner(somehow they know each other well) and when i asked cleaner to steam clean carpet once more on my expense RE stopped him to do it.

  • Shoppingisfun on 24/08/2019 - 14:16
    +1

    Gather all your evidence and take it to the tribunal if agent won’t be reasonable.
    I think some landlords try to make a profit/have tenants pay to fix the place when a lease ends.
    Years ago our landlord had electricians come in and quote to install light fittings (never actually installed) then claim we had stolen them when we moved out.
    Also tried to charge us 100s of dollars for gardening when there was nothing in the garden when we moved in.
    Luckily we had photos from when we moved in and photos the previous tenants gave us after she tried to do the same thing to them!
    In the end we went to the tribunal, she didn’t bother turning up and it got thrown out.
    I think sometimes they just try it on.
    Good luck to you :))

  • geoffs87 on 24/08/2019 - 14:27

    People wonder why there’s always such a debate between tenants and landlords rights. If you CAUSE damage, it needs to be repaired. There’s a difference between wear and tear, and 15 odd dodgy patches on drywall due to misuse of 3m hooks.

    In saying that, $2800 is excessive, I reckon someone on Airtasker could solve it all for under $1000, but it’s too late for that. If people looked at their property in advance of lease expiry, and instead of thinking “yeah that should be ok” or “wear and tear”, and just got it fixed, you would have the freedom of finding someone cheap who can at least make it look good, so when the LL turns up, there’s nothing to overcharge you on.

    As for carpet, i’m sure there’s some culpability from the RE’s poor timing… but if you caused it, surely you get someone in to fix it? Yes others are right, if carpet needs to be replaced, potentially all of it does, but you can get a quote estimate from any carpet court etc, then knock at least 50% off what you are liable for due to depreciation, and then x% off for RE’s failure. I’d probably say $1000 for carpet and $1-1500 for the drywall, make that offer and call it a day.

    Everyone should be house proud, unfortunately not everyone is. I like the “what if” test for tenants, WHAT IF you owned the house, how would you leave it?

    • RangeTolkoma on 24/08/2019 - 14:53

      Thanks for your reply. Whole apartment was flooded. Fire alarm went off and we evacuated the building for an hour or so. When we came back whole apartment was flooded and water was pouring from the corner of wall(probably from other areas too). We contacted RE immediately(emailed and called for next couple of days) and let them know the situation. After a week a guy came to dry/soak the carpet when unit started stinking like #&#&, it was only when i called the agent frequently on the day. We did our best not to damage carpet further but kitchen, lounge and laundry area got completly damaged(i havenot been asked for compensation them on those areas). Rooms are OK but there are some stains(probably from tea).They are asking $1650 stating 'STAINS ARE NOT FROM FLOOD'. There is 6-7 patches and not all of other chips, cracks are not from 3m tape.

      • funnysht on 24/08/2019 - 20:47
        +2

        im a landlord..and to my belief if you had to move out for the week due to water damage- the landlord had to pay.

        in terms of the dry wall damage..yes $2800 is a rip off, ask them for a proper quote then offer like $1000-1500 max. (note because the damage will take prob 1-2 days to dry and fix this is loss of rent for them too.

        carpet damage- i didnt read too much into this but sounds like the carpet was damaged after the water- did you take photos after or did they ? if they hadn't then they really can't prove that it was from your damage.

        eddit: sounds like a scum landlord/agent…i mean if you tried to stop damage to the the apartment after water they should thank you, most tenants would have told them to f*** off and left the place,
        my previous tenant had to leave due to water dmage to ceilings/floorboards etc He did his best to stop the water by using buckets etc. When he left i didnt even both getting the agent to do a exit inspection (he ws a relatively good tenant)and as along as there wasnt a door missing i didn't care

        • RangeTolkoma on 25/08/2019 - 01:53

          We did our best not to cause any further damages. Communicated with RE and strata frequently regarding flooding and carpets. We even left the property for 3-4 days and stayed at our cousin's house. I regret i choose not to move out straight away.

        • mcfintech on 29/08/2019 - 05:45

          Sorry, missed this and a few details earlier so my response below somewhere may not be as helpful.

          Go to tribunal, ask FOR EVERYTHING the other party claims, for photos and evidence.

          Let them prove in the tribunal, why you shouldn't get your bond back etc. and, whether your loss of income vs. their depreciated old carpet, and gyprock patches, have a large discrepancy.

          If it does, I guarantee it won't be anywhere near 4500, unless, something is missing here.

  • DemocracyManifest on 24/08/2019 - 14:36
    +3

    Mate (profanity) em go to the tribunal with your evidence. They will have to rock up and if they don't have a adequate solution someone else will sort it out. As prior people have said RE's are thieves most are a disgrace to their 'profession'

  • duluxe2000 on 24/08/2019 - 19:00
    +2

    Fixing a house is very expensive. Real estate agents often use a handful of trade companies they know and get quotes from them. Now a day it's rarely that agents "side" with owners unreasonably because of the competitive renting market.

    If you think the quote is excessive, get a couple of quotes yourself and talk with the agents ?

    • RangeTolkoma on 25/08/2019 - 01:48

      I am trying to get the quotes. RE is not very responsive at the moment

    • mcfintech on 29/08/2019 - 05:39

      Fixing a house is, cheap.
      Getting others to do it is, expensive.
      I understand the need, to have both options, but your saying expensive and to me that suggests, you think it's, somewhat, 4500,ish give or take, 1k, when, it's a $50-100 job.

      And 'wear and tear', by law covers all this anyway.

  • Natt on 24/08/2019 - 23:36
    +1

    I think you bear some responsibility where you have used sticky hooks as that is a BAD idea. But that paint job looks very cheap so they need to understand it will get damage from routine living in. Did you try sugar soap on the stained area?

    • RangeTolkoma on 25/08/2019 - 01:48

      I am ready to bear the reasonable cost to fix the damage i caused. I have not tried sugar soap at all. Paid good money to the cleaner to clean the property and steam clean the carpet. I clearly communicated with the RE that i would clean and leave the property in very good condition and even tried to help them by doing cleaning way before the end of tenancy date. I should not have told them i am moving interstate and do not want any hassles.

      • mcfintech on 29/08/2019 - 05:37

        For a stained area, ask, if they have evidence of the carpet In the EXACT SPOT prior to you moving in.

        Also, try WD40 OIL and just confirm (I forgot some carpets, aren't suited for it) which ones, what.

        But generally speaking, Wd40 lubricant oil spray lifts all the stuff out of the carpet, and then wipes clean.

        You could, also try fabric paint, if the colour is, easy to find. Have done both solutions before.

        There's also always, depending on where you are in Aus, gyprock and paint buckets Aka, litres of it on sale AUCTION at Pickles.com.au esp with construction down.

        Check out that and see if anything you need is real cheap.

        I've got litres, of paint in many colors, for a rainy day, so it's great bang for buck.

        2800 isn't even reasonable, 4500 is, insane.

        If in SYDNEY OR, Melbourne, let me know which agent this is, if I know them, I know many, I'll definitely be able to help sort this out ASAP.

        Geez
        4500, for that I can build a, god damn studio. (apologizies, for the language)

  • Freitag on 25/08/2019 - 06:52
    +1

    Painter might be around $70/hour or around $500 a day + materials, say $200. So I can’t see how their figures are reasonable.

  • kennykinglam on 25/08/2019 - 11:46
    +1

    I'm in the property profession, it appears that amount you have been quoted ($2800) is for the repaint for the whole 2 bedroom apartment. Apporx 85sqm internal living

    Cheers

    • RangeTolkoma on 26/08/2019 - 12:32

      Thanks. Since you are in this profession can you please let me know that $2800 is reasonable amount for me to pay them looking by these wall damages?

      • mcfintech on 29/08/2019 - 05:29
        +1

        I've owned a real estate for 10 years. Still do.

        Wife is a lawyer.

        This entire thing is a joke and I'm happy to give you advice, and help you fix, the issue as well as deal with the agency if you like.

        Wear and tear, reasonable wear and tear especially carpet marks, marks on the wall from every day stuff is NOT deductible nor, incurs a penalty.

        A gyprock repair kit or a bag especially at the look of these photos, you can use a damn Ryobi plaster repair kit which was going for $2.50 the other day.

        Many ways to do it, and, where the repair, is to be done, peel some of the, painted area > take it to bunnings and match the colour.

        You cannot be expected to paint the entire house, that is ridiculous. No tribunal will rule that in there favour no chance. Well, technically there's always a chance where human discretion is involved, but wife agrees that no way this tribunal would hold if stuff went to court.

        I can go over your contract with her if you like, you can remove the address etc. and inbox me.

        Even rips or scuffs in carpet, or chips in bench top, from every day wear and tear, is acceptable as it is a subjective term (somewhat even though technically it's, defined in the relevant legislation).

        Firstly though, although it sounds, silly, let's go back to the basics; did they do an inspection prior WITH PHOTOS, before you moved in?

        Even if they did, these marks probably didn't show up in the photos, EVEN if it was you or not (hypothetically, for explanation sake, I'm for a second, assuming it wasn't you, you'd never know if they took photos, and then just claimed it wasn't visible in the pictures so therfore its on you!)

        If they threaten to keep the bond/ deposit, tell them on the phone or in person, they can't do that by law.

        See their reaction, and in many many many cases, real estate agents, will have a smug, terrible or threatening attitude. If so, then threaten to upload the video, or take, it to ACA TV and Fair Trading Ombudsman.

        Or, B) tell them to let the owner know, they should have insurance (and some, policies, most no but some, cover the tenant, too kind of like an indemnity insurance where you would only have to pay the excess).

        Or C) Since you've already, I assume, texted the agent or someone else and kind of admitted to SOME damage, do your best to patch it up, then send pics, or have them come by, and if they still complain just do Plan A or, B, and, contact, the ombudsman.

        IN my opinion though, I would just use Ryobi Drywall Patch Kits, or Gyprock Rapid Fast Repair Kit 1.5kg and, mix n match the paint, and the, carpet ignore for now.

        If you see, them in private in person after that effort, n they still try this shit, just, tell them you'll mess up their apartment.

        If you say that or that you're going to make it a living nightmare,they'll probably kick you out or change the lock out of, fear, in which case, you can claim (obv do this only at your own risk, since you'll need a backup place to stay during this kick out) that, you didn't have access to the place anymore, so you can't do the repairs, OR, you did fix it, but since someone else has access, to the apartment with diff set of keys, while you don't have access now, it's not you who did the damage AT THIS point in time now. It's whoever is, liable Aka, has access.

        Innocent until proven guilty
        But just patch it

        • mcfintech on 29/08/2019 - 05:30

          Sorry for commas, new phone n keyboard placement still messing with me.

  • RangeTolkoma on 26/08/2019 - 12:12

    Oh my god. This cleaner whom i used to clean the property and steam clean the carpet is refusing to provide me invoice and asking me to contact Real Estate agent? Wtf, keeps repeating one thing 'call your agent'. I do have the text conversation with the cleaner is that enough to prove that i used him to clean the property?

    • elgrande on 26/08/2019 - 17:46
      +1

      Tell the cleaner that if you are not provided with a tax invoice you will report them to the ATO for tax avoidance.

      Its your right to get a tax invoice (unless you agreed to pay cash for a cheaper price.

      Otherwise your sms messages should hold up at the tribunal - better than nothing at all.

      Did you lodge your bond request?

      • RangeTolkoma on 27/08/2019 - 09:55

        Thanks. He now sent me the invoice after i said that i am reporting him to ATO if i do not get it. I am also in touch with NSW tenant union. Hope they will help me out.

        • elgrande on 27/08/2019 - 21:46

          Good luck with it.

        • mcfintech on 29/08/2019 - 04:28

          Where approx are you located if you don't mind me asking?

          I hate seeing this shit happened, happy to not only come out and show you how simple the process is, but do it for barely 100 200 (materials, cost which I can go to bunnings, or your local hardware store, with you).

          It may even cost less than 50 as I have a lot of the stuff lying around from my current renovation I'm doing :)

          I can give you detailed instructions and happy to maybe make a video guide? as I'm patching up a part of my wall tomorrow that I put a ding through it.

          • RangeTolkoma on 29/08/2019 - 10:22

            @mcfintech: Thanks for your detail response i will send you PM as soon as i finish my work. Unfortunately, i have already moved out and i move interstate(sydney to canberra, not far though). They are very unresponsive, i do not get reply to my email neither phone gets picked up. I am not contacting them anymore. Probably they have already applied for bond claim and i am going to fill some form in ncat website and do section 175(not sure what is that a lawer from tenant union) told me to do. So, probably i have to go to tribunal. I tried to get quotes around most of the quote ranges from 250 to 600(patch and colour match) whereas painting 1 room and lounges in $1200 including gst.
            The thing what surprises me is most of these cracks and chips are in lounge and masterbedroom but they are asking to pay to paint whole apartment.

            • mcfintech on 29/08/2019 - 10:49

              @RangeTolkoma: Everyone that is out there is there to make a profit. They see you as an easy gain so they gave it a shot.

              Most people get lazy and scared of confrontation but the truth is, tribunal is for the people even if it doesn't state it anywhere.

              I've had GENUINELY bad situations, where the tenant was at fault, and we still couldn't win. It's a people's champion court, which is great in the case of when we are tenants!

              Don't stress too much, you know the worst case scenario, and if the tribunal says you have to fix it, I'm happy to pop down, and help or even organize someone in Canberra to sort it out, as I have family and friends there (or the video idea I suggested).

              Don't worry, the bad guys always (usually lol) lose. Make sure you go! Otherwise you will be forever regretting it (so so many friends literally don't go and miss out on huge sums that was rightfully and easily theirs.

              Hope you have a great day and if I can give one suggestion, there's an aussie bloke called BillsHowTo I think on YouTube, who actually does a great job on Aussie specific handyman work.

              Have recommended to my younger brother, to watch his stuff before coming to me for basic things, so trust me, you'll like it.

              This way you, can be prepared IF there's a tribunal ruling that states you have to fix in so n so days, or pay X amount :)

              • mcfintech on 29/08/2019 - 10:50

                @mcfintech: Ps. A gyprock entire 2.4 x 1.2m wall panel costs $30..to buy. Ready to go..so for a TINY bunch of marks, 4500 is insanely fraudulent to claim.

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