Here are some tips on how to deal with a difficult landlord.<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\nTenants Victoria spokesperson Devon LaSalle says the best way renters can survive a tense relationship with a difficult landlord<\/strong>, either directly or through an agent, is to arm themselves with knowledge and seek help if they need it.<\/p>\nHe says most of the complaints Tenants Victoria hears from renters relate to problems with getting repairs done, issues with getting bonds back and questions about notices to vacate.<\/p>\n
\u201cPrivacy and a tenant\u2019s right to \u2018quiet enjoyment\u2019 are also common concerns for tenants, particularly their rights when the rental property is being sold,\u201d LaSalle says.<\/p>\n
While each state and territory is responsible for establishing and administering their own residential tenancy laws and dispute processes, LaSalle explains how renters in Victoria can best protect themselves.<\/p>\n
Here are some tips on how to deal with your landlord.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nUnderstand rights and responsibilities<\/h2>\n
\u201cMany tenants simply don\u2019t know what they are entitled to or what is expected of them as tenants,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
Tenants\u2019 unions across the country provide information on a range of topics via their websites and phone lines.<\/p>\n
Read and understand everything<\/h2>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very important tenants read and understand any documentation pertaining to their tenancy, particularly the lease agreement, condition report and bond lodgement form,\u201d LaSalle says.<\/p>\n
If unsure about something, ask, he says.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf something you are asked to sign looks incomplete, like if the bond form doesn\u2019t have the refund amount listed<\/a>, don\u2019t sign it. Seek advice from a tenancy lawyer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n![\"reading](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/amazingproperty.com.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/6f111f13270c316c4f0dfd0a36dd9a50-1.jpg?resize=2000%2C1500&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n
It\u2019s very important tenants fully understand the documentation related to their lease. Picture: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Make requests in writing<\/h2>\n
\u201cSome agencies don\u2019t accept requests for repairs, for example, via email, so it\u2019s important to make sure you know what method they do accept.<\/p>\n
Always keep a copy of the requests for your own records,\u201d LaSalle says.<\/p>\n
Keep records<\/h2>\n\n![\"managing](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/amazingproperty.com.ng\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/8ea980aefa9b4738231e9109dc3394e7-1.jpg?resize=2000%2C1501&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n
Always keep a copy of any requests you make in case it\u2019s needed at a later date. Picture: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\u201cThroughout your tenancy, it\u2019s a good idea to take notes about any correspondence you have with your agent or landlord, including dates, times, what the conversation was about and the agreed outcomes,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf things go pear-shaped and you end up going to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal\u00a0(VCAT), this information will prove useful.\u201d<\/p>\n
Try to keep an open, friendly dialogue<\/h2>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s always best for agents\/landlords and tenants to work together to resolve issues. If you show your agent or landlord you care for your home, they will generally be happy to negotiate and work with you to achieve the best possible outcome for all involved,\u201d LaSalle says.<\/p>\n
Renting? \u00a0Here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nGet advice and resolution<\/h2>\n
\u201cIf a tenant is unable to resolve an issue with their landlord through negotiation, they should consult a tenancy lawyer about their situation for advice. Tenants can also file a claim to VCAT to get the issue resolved, LaSalle says.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Realestateau <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
He says most of the complaints Tenants Victoria hears from renters relate to problems with getting repairs done, issues with getting bonds back and questions about notices to vacate.<\/p>\n
\u201cPrivacy and a tenant\u2019s right to \u2018quiet enjoyment\u2019 are also common concerns for tenants, particularly their rights when the rental property is being sold,\u201d LaSalle says.<\/p>\n
While each state and territory is responsible for establishing and administering their own residential tenancy laws and dispute processes, LaSalle explains how renters in Victoria can best protect themselves.<\/p>\n
Here are some tips on how to deal with your landlord.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n \u201cMany tenants simply don\u2019t know what they are entitled to or what is expected of them as tenants,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n Tenants\u2019 unions across the country provide information on a range of topics via their websites and phone lines.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s very important tenants read and understand any documentation pertaining to their tenancy, particularly the lease agreement, condition report and bond lodgement form,\u201d LaSalle says.<\/p>\n If unsure about something, ask, he says.<\/p>\n \u201cIf something you are asked to sign looks incomplete, like if the bond form doesn\u2019t have the refund amount listed<\/a>, don\u2019t sign it. Seek advice from a tenancy lawyer.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s very important tenants fully understand the documentation related to their lease. Picture: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cSome agencies don\u2019t accept requests for repairs, for example, via email, so it\u2019s important to make sure you know what method they do accept.<\/p>\n Always keep a copy of the requests for your own records,\u201d LaSalle says.<\/p>\n Always keep a copy of any requests you make in case it\u2019s needed at a later date. Picture: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cThroughout your tenancy, it\u2019s a good idea to take notes about any correspondence you have with your agent or landlord, including dates, times, what the conversation was about and the agreed outcomes,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n \u201cIf things go pear-shaped and you end up going to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal\u00a0(VCAT), this information will prove useful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s always best for agents\/landlords and tenants to work together to resolve issues. If you show your agent or landlord you care for your home, they will generally be happy to negotiate and work with you to achieve the best possible outcome for all involved,\u201d LaSalle says.<\/p>\n Renting? \u00a0Here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n \u201cIf a tenant is unable to resolve an issue with their landlord through negotiation, they should consult a tenancy lawyer about their situation for advice. Tenants can also file a claim to VCAT to get the issue resolved, LaSalle says.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Realestateau <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Understand rights and responsibilities<\/h2>\n
Read and understand everything<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nMake requests in writing<\/h2>\n
Keep records<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nTry to keep an open, friendly dialogue<\/h2>\n
Get advice and resolution<\/h2>\n