The tenant and property manager relationship can be a fraught one at times. From fallouts over mouldy bathrooms to heated discussions over pest control, this match isn’t always made heaven.
The buck doesn’t always stop with the property manager. Picture: Getty
So knowing who’s responsible for what can keep communication open and healthy.
According to a recent rent survey by realestate.com.au and Pedestrian.TV, delving into five key areas of a young Australian renter’s experience, real estate agents and landlords were cited as common bugbears.
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The survey findings indicate that communication breakdowns are often at the root of things taking a bit of a nose dive. Building a good rapport with your property agent and having open conversations is key – and will usually stand you in good stead throughout your tenancy.
When it comes down to having good comms with their property manager, 88.9% of renters considered this important, although male respondents were slightly less inclined to think so.
Housekeeping: who does what?
Some young Aussie renters aren’t clear about what falls on their shoulders in terms of general maintenance around the house. Not knowing what they’re responsible for – or is up to the property manager to deal with – can cause misunderstandings.
Ever encountered mould in your home? It’s not nice. But who should get rid of it? 55.2% of respondents believe removing mould is up to the property manager to handle. In actual fact, dealing with mould is a joint effort.
Mould or mildew caused by faults in gutters or other fixtures is the responsibility of the landlord, so therefore the property agent.
However, mould caused by the tenant failing to air the property properly or keep it in a reasonable state of cleanliness falls on the tenant.
Pest control is a conversation you should have with your property manager. Picture: Getty
How many tenants does it take to change a lightbulb? 13.5% of respondents think the correct response is zero and that this quick, easy task is down to the property manager.
Now for the big gripe: who deals with ‘uninvited guests’? From cockroaches and mice to ants and wasps, pests can become a major problem in the home.
Generally, if it can be fairly described as an ‘outbreak’ or ‘infestation’, it’s down to the property manager to tell your guests the party is over.
If there are fleas jumping around thanks to a beloved pet or pesky pantry moths in the cupboards because tenants aren’t storing food properly, the buck stops with them.
Realestate.com.au partnered with Pedestrian.TV for the 2018 Rent Survey, to gain insights from 18 to 39-year-old renters across the country.
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