TENANTS DESERVE BETTER

It is inconceivable that people needing or wanting to be renters might be putting up with unpleasant and even unsafe living conditions in order to have a roof over their heads, but this is what a recent survey revealed.

Financial comparison site, Finder, found that three in five renters, 59 per cent, had overlooked an issue with a property for fear of not having a place to live. That is the equivalent of around 1.7 million renting households.

The results suggest people are settling for less as rent prices have climbed and rental availability is scarce as hen’s teeth.

According to survey results, some of the issues and problems renters were putting up with included:

• Inadequate size of the property
• Lack of amenities, including air conditioning or a laundry.
• Significant mould
• Unpleasant smells
• Poor internet and phone reception
• Poor access to public transport
• Loud neighbours
• Higher crime rate in the neighbourhood
• Being located a long way from work or family
• Being forced to share a room.

The study went so far as to suggest that tenants were having to accept some unpleasant living situations and were even stuck in conditions that may be considered hazardous. Despite the evidence of problems, Finder’s research also found that tenants did not ask for repairs to be carried out when they noticed damage that had not been included on the entry condition report.

Nine per cent of renters were hesitant to speak to their landlord about fixing up their property, survey results showed.

As your property managers, we pride ourselves on the open and honest relationship established amongst ourselves, our landlords and our tenants. We want tenants who feel happy and safe in their home and who are confident to come to us with any issues. We value our landlords who respond to any maintenance requests promptly.

The ongoing rental crisis has seen a huge increase in demand for rental accommodation and tenants should not be forced to turn a blind eye to flaws just to secure or remain in a property.

SOURCE: RE/MAX Australia