OakTree

We were leasing a house in VIC from 01/04/2011 to 31/3/2012. We moved in on 8/4/2011 and moved out on 31/03/2012. The Condition Report was due to be signed by us and returned to them on 06/04. However, since the power was only connected late afternoon of 06/04 we could only complete our inspection the same evening & emailed our findings & photos early 07/04 (agent replied to this and so can’t deny receiving my email).

We went to hand over a copy of the report to the agent who refused to accept it for being a day late. So I lodged the matter with Consumer Affairs VIC (Ref C2011/04/005116) on 7/4/2011 who advised us to keep the photos & record of our emails for future reference.

Today, I also noticed that we were only given one unsigned copy of the condition report whereas they should have provided us with two signed copies at the time of signing the lease.

Before vacating on 31/03/2012, we cleaned well & carpets were professionally steam-cleaned. The garden has some weeds & trees/shrubs not trimmed enough (agreed to trim further). The place is MUCH tidier now than before. As proof I have over 300 photos taken both at the start & end of our lease & disproves ALL their allegations. Photos uploaded on

http://www.flickr.com/photos/70172205@N02/sets/ .

The landlord inspected the place on Sunday, 01/04/2012 and sent us a long laudnry list, alleging the toilets are “repulsive”, tiled floors “obviously unwashed and tacky”, filthy kitchen etc. My photos speak for themselves. They want a ‘big professional clean up’ & plan to deduct around $1,000 or more from our bond.

I will obviosly be fighting this tooth and nail at VCAT. What are my chances of losing my rent bond for sending my report/findings a day late? Would this invalidate my photo evidence?

Thanks,would appreciate any advice.

OakTree

I can't stress this enough times:

Please take LOTS of photos of the condition of the house before you move in and record it by emailing them to the agent. Unscrupulous RE Agents and landlords will try to rip you off and help themselves to your rental bond at every opportunity if you aren't well prepared.

You've been warned!

Shawn-Sue

This is what I always do.

I take a lot of pictures of every corner of the property/furniture, burn them on a CD, keeping a copy for myself and give a copy to the agent. They have never been able to get a cent out of my bond!

OakTree

The agent took pictures of the inside of our rented premises whilst we were living there (so all our furniture, kids photos, personal items clearly visible), without our permission and used them in their rental adverts. Can they do that?

Mummy3

Good advice, thank you. Will do that.

OakTree

Our unscrupulous agent and ex-landlord are trying to sting us for $1,000 for cleaning our previous rental property. Anyway the following 'before and after' photos says it all!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/70172205@N02/sets/

The thread with my rant is still awaiting mod approval

OakTree

Strange, some of my posts appear and some don't

Hopefully my horror story (see my signature below) will be a lesson to all prospective tenants!

Pollyana

Some of your posts were deleted as you had started duplicate threads. Also some of your posts contain links, and as a new member those posts get vetted to ensure the links are not spam

moneypenny20

Lordy, you made me work for the money I'm not paid! The reason some of your threads were put in the Mod Queue was because you posted links in them and you hadn't posted enough to be able to do that. Now you're up to five, any post will be ok'd immediately. I think I've sorted you out, I've put them all together, makes more sense that way.

Hope you get your problems sorted out.

Pollyana

Snap

OakTree

sorry to make you work during your Easter break!

Could you please change the title as well? Ta

Pollyana

Not an Easter break, its my annual holiday I'm sunning myself on the Islington Riveria

Change the title to what?

OakTree

Nightmare RE Agent and landlord

Mummy3

Where is Australia are you?

Mummy3

sorry,meant IN