Real Estate Agent Won't Respond Re Broken Bedside Table, What Do I Do?

itsHughesy on 13/06/2023 - 09:32
Last edited 14/06/2023 - 09:56 by 1 other user

Hi everyone, apologies in advance for what is probably a silly question, but I haven't rented in a very long time and am wading through this now post a separation.

I moved into an apartment sight unseen (only the RE listing photos) and noticed while doing my move-in damage report that they only photographed the L floating bedside table, but not the R.. obviously because the R has been broken presumably by the previous tenant.

It's as if someone has leaned on it while standing up and snapped it, it's quite a severe break, and you couldn't sit a cup on that bedside table, for example - it would slide right off.

I've contacted the agent 3 times in writing over the last month regarding the issue and do not get a reply, my concern is that something may happen to it while I'm renting, and they'll try to blame it on me, and besides that, I'd also like a working bedside table that I can use.

Before I escalate the issue with an appearance at her office since she won't reply to me, can someone tell me whether I'm correct in thinking that they should ensure this is rectified and in an appropriate timeframe? Or am I out of line and just have to put up with it?

If they are obligated to fix and it won't, what are my next options?

Home & Garden

Comments

  • franco cozzo on 13/06/2023 - 09:39
    -6

    probably not the best time to be complaining about shit i reckon. LLs and REAs have you literally over a barrel and theyre unbuckling their belts….and theres banjo music playing in the background….

  • 87percent on 13/06/2023 - 09:47
    +4

    in terms of "urgent fixes", this would be a very low priority.. but i would be making sure that you have sufficient evidence to back up that YOU are not responsible for the break

  • CyberMurning on 13/06/2023 - 09:50

    next, break the house ?

  • Cheaplikethebird on 13/06/2023 - 10:10
    +11

    Did you note it in your entry report?

    • itsHughesy on 13/06/2023 - 16:37

      Yes, thankfully and sent photos

  • try2bhelpful on 13/06/2023 - 10:17

    If it was me I would write up a letter detailing that the issue was there when you moved in. I would go into the office and talk to someone in person. Just say you want it on the record that this was broken before you moved in and that you would like someone to fix it. Ask for the name of the person at the desk. Put this persons name on the letter as the person you notified about this, take a photo of the letter, and hand it over. Just do it calmly and politely.

    It makes it harder for them to pretend it wasn’t brought to their notice.

  • brendanm on 13/06/2023 - 10:26
    +2

    Take pictures, put in entry report. Call agent on the telephone.

  • Nugs on 13/06/2023 - 10:45
    +2

    place an axle stand under it
    .

    • holdenmg on 13/06/2023 - 11:17
      +2

      SuperCheap Auto does all my Furniture repairs.

  • tsunamisurfer on 13/06/2023 - 11:21

    You have already done the #1 thing which is advise the REA of the issue with evidence so that it will not be attributed to you at lease end.

    Secondly, keep contacting the REA, if no response, contact the REA's principal.

  • Porker on 13/06/2023 - 12:32
    +1

    Your lease, essentially, includes the broken item - 'as is'. Just make sure it's documented as you have such that they don't seek its repair from you, stating that it was your doing.

    It doesn't sound like the issue 'prevents' you from living in the house nor is it a critical item. Unless you can mount a 'safety' issue, then I suspect you'll, sadly, be ignored in which case if you want it fixed, then it might be at your cost and somehow seek reimbursement from the landlord. But they'll likely say you did the repair out of your own accord.

    Tough situation.

  • Summoner on 13/06/2023 - 12:49
    +1

    As long as the damaged side table is noted on your entry condition report, there is nothing for you to worry about.

    If you want the side table repaired and if the agent ignores you, you may need to send them a notice to remedy a breach.

    You can find the details on RTA's website if you are in Queensland.

  • jv on 13/06/2023 - 14:25

    I'd also like a working bedside table that I can use.

    Is that on the lease?

    • deme on 13/06/2023 - 19:49

      If it's not are you suggesting they charge the landlord a storage fee?

  • jv on 13/06/2023 - 14:27

    What Do I Do?

    Gorilla glue

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