Received a Request from The REA That The Tenants Wanted a Loose Oyster Light Fixed

GachaGamer on 10/07/2025 - 16:11
Last edited 10/07/2025 - 19:13 by 1 other user

I received request that the tenants wanted an oyster light that has come loose fixed/repaired.

The light itself is fine and working and just the nails/screws attaching the light to the ceiling has come loose. What do you think the go to is OzBargain? From the images it just looks like they need to remove the cover and put in new nails/screws which wouldn't need an electrician to come over to do the job. But not too sure myself about whether that's allowed - though to my understanding since the process does not involve direct contact with an electrical wiring it can still fall under a DIY job but knowing the REA they'll prob want to hire a professional (should really change at this point).

Unfortunately, can't make the round myself if it were possible since the time it'd take me to go there would be same as the cost to call out the electrician lol. Though what's the expected ballpark for call out costs to get it fixed (regional Vic)?

Please enlighten me OzBargain.

Didn't expect the amount of backlash, so I should clarify, I had already fixed the kitchen for the tenants roughly 4 months ago (essentially had to replace the lights, the oven (lights broke, but the model was a few years old so I just replaced it with a new for them), the rangehood (the tenants made some installations that made it in contravention of regulations - ), that already set me back $3200. Now those lights (well 1 of them) that got replaced/fixed has come loose from poor installation. I'm not trying to skip on my obligations, I've gone over and beyond, since I also updated the central heating last year without requirement which set me back another $2k+.

The question was whether this is a job that can be DIY, if not how much does installing a few nails cost.

As for the backlash, why are you taking it out on me? lol, some of the comments make it out as if I ran their dog over or something.

Home & Garden Investment

Comments

  • Stealtho on 10/07/2025 - 16:15
    +81

    ring a electrician and find out
    your house you fix/pay

    • RTX9090Ti on 11/07/2025 - 10:16
      +22

      if property investors don't want to fix or pay to fix then don't be property investors/landlord.

      don't just collect rent and negative gearing and not doing anything.

  • pegaxs on 10/07/2025 - 16:19
    +97

    Then (fropanity) fix it. If it isn't rocket surgery, just fix it. If it is, just hire someone to fix it.

    (fropanity) me, landlords are the worst.

    • Stealtho on 10/07/2025 - 16:25
      +72

      landlords on a bargain site even worse lol

      • RTX9090Ti on 11/07/2025 - 10:16

        landlords are worse, period.

    • Protractor on 10/07/2025 - 16:31
      -2

      Hand lords

    • DashCam AKA Rolts on 10/07/2025 - 17:48
      +3

      This weeks SAGA?
      @mapax ADALLHS?

    • pegaxs on 10/07/2025 - 17:51
      +36

      Update edit;

      that already set me back $3200.
      I've gone over and beyond
      which set me back another $2k+.

      Oh boo (fropanity) hoo… Then maybe this whole "investment property" thing isn't for you…

      Imagine buying an IP and then crying when the money printer stops going "brrrrrrr".

      • SBOB on 10/07/2025 - 18:11
        +21

        Oh boo (fropanity) hoo…

        Wants all the capital gains and tax deductions, but none of the expenses and maintenance.

      • RTX9090Ti on 11/07/2025 - 10:17
        +6

        abolish neg gear and cap gain discount, bring tax payers money back to the hard working people.

    • Dsiee on 13/07/2025 - 07:58

      Judging by OP wanting to use nails to hold a light up, they should just pay someone with a clue to fix it. No wonder their house is falling apart if they waste so much time mulling the mundane.

      OP, perhaps an index fund or term deposit is more up your ally?

      • Muppet Detector on 13/07/2025 - 09:59

        To be fair, I think OP was asking could the task be DYI.

        If it is true that it just needs a few nails, depending on what skills the OP has, it probably could be a DYI.

        However, I got the feeling he was asking if the tenants could DYI.

        My answer to that is a hard no.

        Tenants are your customers. They're not your mate who owes you a solid and they're not your employee.

        If you "sell" them something that's in x condition (or legally required to be), every day they have legal possession of your property, you've got to make sure it is in x condition.

        • Dsiee on 13/07/2025 - 10:01
          +2

          My point is a nail is such a wrong choice of fastener that either OP is clueless or 90 years old and hasn't done any handy work since the mass production and utilisation of screws. Nails have a very low pull out force.

          • Muppet Detector on 13/07/2025 - 10:06

            @Dsiee: In that case, perhaps the OP doesn't have the skills to DYI either!

            I did balk at nails, but ASSumed they got put in on an angle or into some kind of bracket or something.

            The light fittings I'm familiar with have these brackets that go into the roof and spread apart on either side of the hole where the light comes down, but inside the ceiling iykwim - so you don't see them unless you're in the roof.

            I would have thought that even screws would be a bit dodgy and susceptible to coming loose if just screwed into the plaster.

            It was my understanding that the plaster isn't very strong and you're supposed to screw through the plaster into the wood frame (is it a stud?) behind the plaster.

            I am one of those people who should never be allowed to DYI. If I were to fix that light fitting, I'd probably default to gaffa tape or my hot glue gun!

  • skid on 10/07/2025 - 16:20
    +18

    Sorry, there's nothing to be enlightened about. Ask the REA to go with what they think, which will be a handyman for $300.

    • Assburg on 11/07/2025 - 18:53

      Usually the REAs husband or similar sort of arrangement. Just organise someone yourself.

  • V2L on 10/07/2025 - 16:20
    +14

    if you are convinced the electricals are fine, then airtask a handyman to have a look. the ballpark is whatever minimum it'll take someone to get off their bum and drive there to have a look, you're not going to get anything useful here

    • Odin on 11/07/2025 - 09:39

      Yup

      Handyman

  • spackbace on 10/07/2025 - 16:20
    +9

    Who said electrician, you or the REA? Otherwise REA's have handymen for this sorta thing, if the wiring doesn't need to be touched

    Though they may prefer to err on the side of caution

  • geekcohen on 10/07/2025 - 16:25
    +8

    Though whats the expected ballpark for call out costs to get it fixed (regional vic)?

    Warragul, $120 an hour for an electrician I paid.

    Please enlighten me ozb.

    Just pay to get it fixed, call around for a few quotes. You will spend more time on OzBargain reaching all the various comments than you would calling a electrician/handyman and booking it in!

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 10/07/2025 - 17:34
      +8

      $120/ hour is pretty cheap these days

      • geekcohen on 10/07/2025 - 17:44
        +2

        Yeah, was pretty good. It was to get some roof fans changed over. I supplied them and they changed it plus took the rubbish. Was very happy.

  • ThithLord on 10/07/2025 - 16:26
    +5

    where's the pic

    • TEER3X on 10/07/2025 - 19:42
      +3

      Loose oysters might be nsfw

      • ThithLord on 11/07/2025 - 08:37
        +5

        Where's the pic, harder

  • jasonlv87 on 10/07/2025 - 16:30
    +21

    As a LL, just get a sparky out there to sort it out. It's maintenance, tax deductible and the REA can arrange this for you. Since its loose, better to get it sorted out now properly instead of an emergency later on when the thing has fallen off the ceiling or someone gets injured by a DIY attempt to secure it.

    It could be loose screws that just need tightening, but more likely they've pulled out of the plaster so you cant just retighten them. The sparky may need to disconnect and remove the oyster light to have to pull the light down, re-drill and put in new anchors. Shouldn't be too expensive if its not done as an emergency.

  • Protractor on 10/07/2025 - 16:31
    +9

    Just fix it yourself, or get it fixed. Or do you need a poll? AI could draft a letter for your tenants to say they are being petty?
    Do you think they are reading this and passing judgement on you anyway? What is your public liability insurance like if the fittings clobbers a tenant?

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 10/07/2025 - 16:40
    +12

    Just (profanity) fix it dude

  • jv on 10/07/2025 - 16:56
    +15

    From the images it just looks like they need to remove the cover and put in new nails/screws which wouldn't need an electrician to come over to do the job.

    Then you do it…

  • tenpercent on 10/07/2025 - 17:05

    I swear there was a deal on screwdrivers here just recently.

  • Baysew on 10/07/2025 - 17:06

    Though what's the expected ballpark for call out costs to get it fixed (regional Vic)?

    Ballpark.

    the time it'd take me to go there would be same as the cost to call out the electrician

  • ihbh on 10/07/2025 - 17:10
    -6

    It's frustrating as anything, but some tenants aren't handy at all.

    If it's screws, you can get a handyman to do it if it's cheaper.

    If you're far away or you own a number of properties, just pay for it.

    PS: How much the capital outlays cost you is irrelevant to this issue. Replacing the ducted air conditioner on a double storey house can set you back around $10k. Just saying.

    • LFO on 10/07/2025 - 17:28
      +23

      but some tenants aren't handy at all.

      Some tenants are expecting to do nothing at all regarding repairs and maintenance.

      That is why they are renting/leasing rather than buying.

      • jjjaar on 10/07/2025 - 17:48
        +31

        Or they’ve gotten in trouble for doing DIY in the past and don’t want to have to deal with angry REAs / landlords again.

        • Jimothy Wongingtons on 10/07/2025 - 18:07

          I follow DIY forum Australia on Facebook and I’ve seen some pretty insane attempts at DIY, especially electrical work.

          • jjjaar on 10/07/2025 - 19:56
            +3

            @Jimothy Wongingtons: Oh that group is a goldmine. It’s like Australia’s funniest videos but you only get given text and have to use your imagination to get the video.

  • ihbh on 10/07/2025 - 17:11
    +2

    The question was whether this is a job that can be DIY

    Yes, for most people, but not all.

    PS: In NSW at least (didn't Google other states/territories), tenants are expected to change light bulbs, probably only at a standard height.

  • jv on 10/07/2025 - 17:16

    Please enlighten me OzBairgain.

    OzBargain

    • Baysew on 10/07/2025 - 19:22
      +1

      Whoops, that's on me.

  • LFO on 10/07/2025 - 17:24

    the rangehood (the tenants made some installations that made it in contravention of regulations - )

    Wot?
    What could they have done? So serious?

  • brendanm on 10/07/2025 - 17:32
    +10

    Call the people that fitted the lights and get them to come fix it. I'd you don't want to do that, call a handyman and get them to go fix it. Doesn't seem like rocket surgery.

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 10/07/2025 - 17:59
      +1

      Imagine if the twist is LL diy’ed

      • brendanm on 10/07/2025 - 18:49
        +7

        Certainly possible considering he thinks nailing in a light fitting is standard practice.

  • bargaino on 10/07/2025 - 17:37
    +5

    whether this is a job that can be DIY, if not how much does installing a few nails cost.

    If you are proposing using nails to secure a light fitting, then no it is not a DIY job. Call a handy man :-)
    Screws? yes. If you live in the area and have a few tools, it could be easier to DIY than deal with tradesmen and agents.

    Its a sad world where tenants can't fix a simple loose screw without calling up the authorities. Contributing to rising rents, I suppose.

    • CaptainJack on 11/07/2025 - 09:19
      +1

      Or the other way around. LL keep putting rents up, tenant thinks well they can use some of that money to repair their own property then.

      • bargaino on 11/07/2025 - 10:58

        "and", not "or". Which makes it a feedback loop. Except the rent doesn't cover expenses.
        Rents in Australia are both very high compared to incomes, and very low compared to property values. i.e. rental yields are low.
        It is an economic nightmare, and politicians are afraid to touch it.

  • jjjaar on 10/07/2025 - 17:47
    +23

    that already set me back $3200

    If you can’t afford an investment, don’t have an investment.

    Also, be thankful you have tenants that tell you when stuff breaks. Because when some things are broken for years, they become more and more expensive to fix.

    So when they leave and you have to fix it all for it to be tenanted again, not only are you out more $$ than if you were told earlier, you’re out for a larger lump sum at once, and you lose the rental income as nobody is occupying the place while you have to fix it up.

    As for the backlash, why are you taking it out on me?

    Because you gave a whole song and dance about it, that made it sound like a toddler stamping their foot and saying “I don’t wanna!”

    You’d have received no backlash if your post was simply:

    “I received request that the tenants wanted an oyster light that has come loose fixed/repaired.The light itself is fine and working and just the nails/screws attaching the light to the ceiling has come loose.

    What's the expected ballpark for call out costs for electrician or handyman to get it fixed (regional Vic)?”

  • Kongzi on 10/07/2025 - 18:00
    -5

    The process of attaching the oyster light is similar to a smoke detector. Just screw the attachment to the ceiling. 2 mins job.

    While you're at it, check the wires are secured tightly. Ensure it is switched off.

  • MrFrugalSpend on 10/07/2025 - 18:47
    +2

    "Now those lights (well 1 of them) that got replaced/fixed has come loose from poor installation"

    Easy - you have 12 months from the date of installation to ask the installer to fix it at their cost or report them for their contractor licensing. Why would you do anything else?

  • DingoBilly on 10/07/2025 - 18:50
    +30

    I'm a landlord.

    Stop being a dick and making us look bad. Yeah, sometimes you have to pay for something that would be a 5 minute job if you lived there yourself. You don't though, and that comes with the territory.

  • AustriaBargain on 10/07/2025 - 19:07
    +5

    Slumlord wants his fixtures hanging loose and broken to save money. If the property bubble keeps inflating at the rate it has, then you'll probably make over a million in profit when you're done with it. I don't think he bubble will keep growing as it has, there's limits on what the average renter and first home owner will take. But I'm in the minority there, most people think it's ez money still.

  • AustriaBargain on 10/07/2025 - 19:09
    +6

    I've gone over and beyond

    Is providing what you advertised to your tenants really "over and beyond"? Property investment might not be a good match for your personality, the ez money might not be worth the stress you put on yourself.

  • Stuj on 10/07/2025 - 19:15
    +2

    FFS, just get it fixed and pay the bill, it’s Ozbargain. Not ozultra Scrooge slum lord. I’m saying this from being a landlord of a property in another state, where things like this are common. You just have to suck it up

  • Excelsior on 10/07/2025 - 19:33
    +1

    Rookie mistake - you should have expected that chances are most people (ie. those without IP/or are renting) would be rooting against you no matter what. Something something evil landlord etc.

  • JIMB0 on 10/07/2025 - 19:39
    +3

    I just get the rental agent to organise someone. It's tax deductible, keeps the tenants at arms length and I’ve got better things to do than driving 15 minutes to mess with a loose light fitting.

  • Muppet Detector on 10/07/2025 - 19:40
    +28

    Landlord here,

    Sorry matey but you haven't gone over and beyond on anything. You've done your job. That's all.

    As for asking a tenant to DYI?? Are you out of your mind? Let's suppose for a minute that they think they know how to fix it. If they make a mistake and fluff it up are you going to hold them accountable for that?

    If they injure themselves whilst doing the repair work for you, are you going to pay for any associated expenses that may arise from that.

    It's your property. You need to keep it in well maintained working order for every single day they have legal possession of that property, more so if they're actually paying you rent for it to be in that tip top shape.

    Sure, if there is malicious damage caused by the tenant, work with them in a speedy manner to get that sorted out at their cost. Regardless, even if they can't pay, you still need to act like Speed Racer and get that sorted out quick before it becomes a danger and causes harm to the tenant or it causes further deterioration to your property (gotta mitigate them losses).

  • SpicyStew on 10/07/2025 - 19:50
    +9

    can't make the round myself if it were possible since the time it'd take me to go there

    No its not a DIY, as you've already stated you can't do it yourself

    • jv on 10/07/2025 - 22:38
      -2

      No its not a DIY

      Why not?

      • SpicyStew on 11/07/2025 - 11:31
        +1

        since the time it'd take me to go there

        time supposedly

  • trapper on 10/07/2025 - 20:14
    +4

    If you can't attend then just send a sparky. You could send a handyman but it won't be much cheaper and more pain if he messes it up.

    Try find some other electrical stuff he can also do while he's there, to optimise the visit.

  • trapper on 10/07/2025 - 20:16

    The question was whether this is a job that can be DIY, if not how much does installing a few nails cost.

    Call out ~$250, nails 2c

  • BEAB on 10/07/2025 - 20:40
    +17

    First of all lets start with some common sense. In the general tenancy form your tenant signed, all light fixtures are the responsibility of the landlord. Replacing bulbs is a different story.

    Second you are being ridiculous and your edit to make you not sound like a douche did not work. Dying on this hill makes you sound even more ridiculous.

    Just pay up, or don't be a landlord. You make us all look bad.

    Quit whinging on OzB and go do what you signed up to do. Friggin embarrassing.

      • Protractor on 10/07/2025 - 21:05
        +13

        If you don't want to walk into a situation were you are nailed as a stereotype. Don't behave like one>

        From the images it just looks like they need to remove the cover and put in new nails/screws which wouldn't need an electrician to come over to do the job

        Advising you to just do the right thing isn't bullying, nor is it useless information.Not all landlords are PoS, but the ones who fit the common negative stereotype, are.And this place attracts quite a few.

      • BEAB on 10/07/2025 - 22:22
        +5

        I believe you would get decent replies if you asked a decent question, in all fairness.

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 11/07/2025 - 09:38
        +3

        You nailed the conclusion. Yes you are an embarrassment.

  • Bignudge on 10/07/2025 - 20:58
    +2

    I'm not roasting you here don't worry. But being a landlord there are both risks and reward. If I were you, just call someone to get it fixed. If the the tennants are causing too much trouble, find some new ones. There's a reason why I've kept rent the same at $490 a week since 3 years ago when the market is now like $570 a week.

    When my house was first rented out, the hot water element died the very first week and I had to suck it up and call a sparky. If it was my house, I'd probably just replace the element myself. At the end of the day, you want to reduce liability… so get things properly done.

    PS. I've even changed out the gas stove to an electric one so the tennants don't gas/blow themselves up accidentally.

  • Hadranius on 10/07/2025 - 22:52
    +5

    Have you considered running over their dog to distract them?

    • gooston on 10/07/2025 - 23:30
      +1

      But then he'd have to get someone to clean his tyres and chassis as it's not a DIY job.

  • BlahBlahBlaah on 11/07/2025 - 01:00
    +11

    Stop being a tighta*s and pay a sparkie to go fix their concern. Then claim it back as an expense in your tax return. Sheesh, it's like some people expect their investment property to be zero maintenance. If you don't like it, sell it off and go away.

  • Wasabi Ninja on 11/07/2025 - 02:24
    +11

    Light fittings aren’t installed with nails. Sounds like you did a dodgy and illegal diy install. A professionally installed oyster light fitting would never come loose.

    30 years experience as a sparky putting up lights is how I know this.

    • Rahonui on 11/07/2025 - 08:07
      +5

      The "central heating" upgrade for ~$2k is a bit of a red flag too.. not sure what constitutes an upgrade, but that figure wouldnt cover much haha

  • mja1986 on 11/07/2025 - 03:59

    I'm a renter myself, and the house is full of these style oyster lights. You take out three screws to replace the bulb. The OP does bring a good point, though: if one of those is loose to get fixed. What happens when the bulb blows?

    • DiscountForThee on 11/07/2025 - 06:34
      +14

      hike the rent to reflect the new changes

      "Just listed, now with working lights!"

  • tabitha731 on 11/07/2025 - 07:30
    -8

    Get rid of your tenants… Hike up the rent so only those who can afford it can live there

  • Rahonui on 11/07/2025 - 08:03

    If it was one of the lights that was installed 4 month ago and is now falling out due to poor installation, get a warranty repair from whoever did that work

  • ricadam on 11/07/2025 - 08:56
    +10

    As for the backlash, why are you taking it out on me? lol, some of the comments make it out as if I ran their dog over or something.

    Honestly, because it looks like you're trying to shy away from any and all responisbiilty on the property that YOU own.

    Investment properties require upkeep and cost money. If you can't afford several thousand dollars in routine maintenance work a year. Then it's probbaly best you sell it so that somone else can properly manage the property. Or better still someone buys it as their PPOR.

    Landlords over the years have left a bad taste in anyone who's rented (which is 1/3 of the population). And your post and edit reeks of entitlement.

    Serious answer to your quesion. Better be safe than sorry and either book an electrican in or at worst, a handyman. Also it might be worth finding one you can have a professional relationship with and use everytime you have to do maintenance on the property.

  • CocaKoala on 11/07/2025 - 09:07
    +2

    Fix it instead of being a cheap arse. Like what's there to discuss about?!

    If it's too expensive for you then perhaps having an investment property is not for you?

  • Trekky on 11/07/2025 - 09:13
    +2

    Wouldn't it be a warrenty job? It's only 4 months old….

  • BigBirdy on 11/07/2025 - 09:24
    +2

    Were you expecting the tenants to repair the light fitting after

    the rangehood (the tenants made some installations that made it in contravention of regulations)

  • SlickMick on 11/07/2025 - 09:53

    Yeah OZB hate landlords :)

    I feel your pain, REA are the worst. Ours engages an electrician to clean and test the smoke detectors annually.

    You could probably get someone on airtasker to do it for a more reasonable rate, but the REA won't like you not using the tradies they have special arrangements with.

  • Ahoon on 11/07/2025 - 10:06
    +3

    Blame is always put on the tenants or the landlord somehow, this is typical of REAs getting kickbacks from contractors, using tenants as a way to inflate the cost of repairs while telling the landlord the same nonsense, “Oh, we are taking care of your property.” A simple DIY job becomes a $500–$1k job, and the work is usually done to the minimum standard anyway.

    Regional VIC has a lot of small REAs that abuse this situation since the landlord is interstate or 4+ hours away, and there are no other agencies handling rentals in the area. It’s either some form of arrangement with the contractor, or the electrician is their relative or friend.

    Be very careful, especially if you are a new rental provider. REAs will try to use the tenants and the laws to maximise their repair work, and they’ll tell you it’s “best to maintain your investment property properly” while draining your pocket for jobs that don’t need to cost what they do and often aren’t even done properly in the first place.

    Another note for tenants in regional areas, make sure the house is tidy and clean when any contractor comes for repairs. These small REAs often use these visits as a hidden inspection to evaluate how well you’re taking care of the property. If you give them the impression that it’s all clean and well kept, they usually won’t bother you further, as their contractor will report back that everything is fine.

    • ricadam on 11/07/2025 - 10:51

      OP never mentioned anything about the REA except that they sent over the request. OP is asking if they need to fix it properly and can't just get the tennants to do the work for themselved. i.e. taking zero responsibility and fobbing off the job to the tennants. Which it's not their responsibility .

      • Ahoon on 11/07/2025 - 11:03

        the REA could be more reasonable here and just arrange for a handyman to do the job instead of calling out an electrician. It doesn’t really seem necessary for this kind of work and would probably save everyone time and money.

        • ninnypoop on 11/07/2025 - 11:13

          You are putting to much expectation on the RE to have any idea of the situation and how to handle it. They are legit the worst and dumbest profession I have encountered.

          The owner should organise a handyman to go fix it. Simple.

          • Ahoon on 11/07/2025 - 11:23

            @ninnypoop: I doubt the real estate agent will actually allow the owner to organise a handyman directly. They’ll just push back and tell the owner it has to be done by a licensed electrician, no matter how simple it is.

  • lint on 11/07/2025 - 10:26

    Unfortunately if it's not something you can fix yourself because of the travel time, you will have to suck it up and have someone qualified to do it, whether that's the electrician the agent recommends or a handyman you find yourself.

    Landlords do incur a lot of repair costs that can be hundreds of dollars at a time for dumb things like opening something up and tightening some screws or replacing an easily replaceable part, something an owner occupier would investigate and fix themselves, but tenants will not. But unless you want to be the handyman for your investment property, it is often easier to just get the agent to arrange someone, even if they're making a quick buck off you.

  • Hirolol on 11/07/2025 - 10:29

    Lmao
    Complains about having to pay for an electrician then complains about the time it would take to go there and do it yourself.
    Surely you could spare some time on the weekend to do it.
    Sounds like it’s just a poor excuse to not do it out of laziness

    • Protractor on 11/07/2025 - 10:36

      It must be in another state,LOL

  • B3ak3r on 11/07/2025 - 11:08
    +10

    This post is exactly why people despise landlords!

    • Protractor on 11/07/2025 - 11:10
      +1

      Self inflicted Pariah status.

    • ReaperX22 on 11/07/2025 - 11:35
      +2

      Yeah I removed my comment though because it was ultimately a big rant somewhat relevant but also not haha. Also who knows. Maybe LL on the forum, he's a cheap guy so probably here somewhere lurking.. It's pretty obvious even without names hehe.

      But yeah… Previous LLs were great - because they owned/lived in the place we rented right before us- and it was their first rent out, left us a gift basket and all. Meant everything was also spotless/working as expected minus 1 tiny leak but husband was an actual plumber so he fixed it quick smart for us. Stayed there for 6 years almost. Only had a few issues over time and usually promptly fixed by licensed person/or in some case I DID offer fixing some stuff (like LED downlights were all individually powered by a normal plug, so super easy with a small step ladder to swap myself if they just reimbursed/paid for downlights etc).

      I even sent them a nice text when we left (as they left their details direct when we moved in, in case REA was too slow ha), wishing them all the best and thanking for their prompt fixes (which they also replied with a nice text).

      It's just the small things that make it all easy. And we left the place clean as hell when we left. I had forgotten to mention in my previous rant how disgusting the carpets were at the new place, got one of those bunning's hire wetvac cleaners and every empty was almost black water :\

  • jasiano on 11/07/2025 - 11:17
    +1

    as a landlord myself, if there is anything broken/needs repairing, no matter how simple you think it is, you don't want the tenant doing it themselves because who knows if they will do any damage, or worst case they get hurt doing it….

    if you don't want to pay someone to do it, then fix it yourself. If you don't trust your REA to find the right tradesperson to do the job then (a) maybe find an agent that you do trust and (b) find a tradesperson yourself.

    most cases I just get the REA to book their tradesperson in because there is then a paper trail and it's all official and you won't have any issues if there are insurance or damage or whatever.

  • Chewy2221 on 11/07/2025 - 12:09

    Sounds like it may just need some slightly longer screws. Should be a quick DIY fix. I'm sure that the re agent has a handyman on speed dial for just this type of thing. I doubt that an electrician is needed.

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