HELP! Need some rental advice when there is no property manager

[AliBaby]

My landlord calls tonight and says we are going to put the rent up seeming prices around the area are going up and we have done some things to fix the place up (hmmm it took him 3 months to replace the oven that blew up and the stovetop that only had one element working and there is still a massive gap in the benchtop and above the oven as the old ones were much bigger). They also fixed up a leaking roof after our kitchen was flooded in a down pour because of poor workmanship- by him in the first place. They never replaced the mouldy curtains.The only other thing they have done to maintain is get termite peopleto come and sort out the termite problem. The wall they patched up still hasnt been painted. He often truns up announced and HAS to fix everything himself.

We have always tolerated this as we didnt want them to put up the rent (they have in the past a few times but we try not to bother them to much and fix all that we can ourselves for him). He knows this as well.

Now he wanted to come round tomorrow night to talk abut the rent increase and I said no and that I understood he needed to put the rent up but I would like some things done first. He then goes on to say that he was wanting to get us before Christmas as they will probably need to put it up again in the early new year and that way we arent hit all at once. Making it out like he is doing us a favour.

My question is, what rights do we have to have things like leaky washers, leaking toilet (that is constantly running day and night), holes in benchtop, etc, a screen door fixed (that he tried to fix before simply by putting a one way lock on the inside of the door- think the most basic push bolt that you might find on a childs toybox) and the door wont stay closed at all unless its put into the lock position.

Also what notice does he have to give to put rent up and does it have to be in writing?

Any help really. TIA

[BrightSparkles]

Is this through a RE or private?

[Danielle_NZ]

Sorry I can't offer advice, all of my knowledge is in the New Zealand rental market, but I wish you all the best and remember you don't have to stay if things don't turn out the way you want...

[Kazbah]

Are you in a contract or are you outside the contract period? Like month - by - month?

[FabFiona]

What state are you in? Your State Government consumer affairs departments generally have fact sheets on these things.

[BrightSparkles]

Rent increases have to be given in writing and 60days notice (including postage time so make sure you check the envelope to see what date it was posted...)
They can only put it up to market value and if you believe it's not market value you can talk to the rental tribunral. I'd maybe give them a call anyway and just see what they say.

[Little Chicken]

I also think they can only do it so often as well, like every six months or so. I would definately get on to the tribunal for some independent advice, he sounds a bit dodgy.

[Fleur]

What state are you in? We had help years ago from the Tenants Advisory Service, I am sure there is something similar in each state. Google 'Tenants Advisory Service' should give you a few good hits. The people we saw were very helpful, I think you really need to speak to someone to find out your rights.

[Phteven]

In NSW they have to give you 60 days notice in writing.
I think they have to show their method clearly ie CPI, comparison with similar properties in the suburb.