So I'm with PRD, been in this house for 3 years now and only TWICE have we not had to have a re inspection, that agent was absolutely gorgeous. Last inspection we got a seemingly nice lady come through, apologized about the lawns not being mowed in a fortnight but it's been raining every night and the ground is just too wet, the mower will get bogged, yep sure fine. As she's leaving we ask if everything was ok and she said yep, the only thing is the lawns but I'm not going to write you up for that, it's too much paperwork. Today I get a letter for a re inspection in a week because
The lawn needs to be mowed, so she out and out lied to us about not writing us up
The floors need to be vacuumed and mopped, this was done the night before the inspection AND the morning of
Rooms need to be tided, I was under the impression that as long as it wasn't damaging the house it was none of their business, they were all clean anyway, just a baby playmat on the floor of out room and a highchair and walker in the kitchen
Laundry downstairs to be done, tidied and put away.....Excuse me??? How is my laundry and of their business? I had two baskets next to the washing machine to be done, thats it
This happens everytime. This house is over 70years old, there's only one layer of WHITE paint on the walls, no undercoat, you can see the old paint in patches, it always looks dirty. There's paint splattered on the cheap, old lino that isn't even glued down in the kitchen, it always looks dirty. I just, I cannot comprehend their attitude. It's gotten to the point of the owner coming over to have a look because they make it sound like we trash the house. He didn't have a problem with how it looked at all. I'm sorry, I'm just very very mad >.<
I would be tempted to write back & tell the re to feel free to come over any time to sort, fold & put away washing! That is absolute bull****. If your house is not damaged, dirty or being misused then what business is it of theirs if you haven't caught up on the washing?? I currently have 3 clothes horses chock a block in my 2nd lounge room due to Mother Nature being non compliant, I would be slightly embarrassed if I had strangers come to the house but I wouldn't expect to be openly judged.
Wow. That made me angry just reading it. I would tell them to get stuffed and that you won't be having another inspection until the normal 3 months is up thanks very much.
The lawns are the only thing you should have to comply with and you gave a reasonable reason why. I would contact the tenancy tribunal for their advice in how to respond.
I'd be writing to her boss and asking how exactly is it any of her business how you live. I'd then go on to ask if their own washing was up to date and whether or not they left a dirty spoon in the sink of their own homes after they made their morning coffee and flew out the door. Seriously, she has zero right to even go there and I would be making a complaint.
Is there anything that could use some attention in the house (you mentioned the paint)? If I were you, I would write up a list of house maintenance items that you would like attended to ASAP. And tell them at the same time that as far as your rights under the Tenancy agreement the laundry and tidiness of the house does not come under the scope of their inspection.
Our RE says we're expected to have it tidy for inspections so they can see any damage (I'm guessing no strategically placed stuff over carpet stains, for example!), which I get. But they also say stuff like make the beds, which I generally do anyway (won't tell you what gets hidden under there!), but don't see that being any of their business. Same with your laundry and a few kids things being out....I've offered to move DS's floor mat so they can see it's not hiding stains, but my RE just laughs at me...I obviously look trustworthy
Sounds like they're being picky on purpose - is she new and needs to prove herself? Has she seen you've had to have re inspections before and feels like she'd look slack by letting you get away scot-free? The fact that you asked at the time and she failed to mention any of that is really poor form IMO.
Find out your rights, then see them in person to discuss. It'd do my head in to have to go through that every three months!
How old are you? Under 25? And how old is the RE? I only ask cause the same thing has happened to DH and I shortly after DD2 was born (22 at the time). It sounds like you're being treated like a total child, completely patronised. I'd be really angry, and I'd definitely be writing a letter back asking when they're free to come and do your housework.
My mum used to be in real estate, she's a very fussy and clean person. When she would do inspections, she would have to turn a blind eye to what she would call mess (unmade beds, washing piles, few dishes in the sink etc). Not once would she say anything about it, as the tenants were simply living how most live.
If the floors were clearly dirty or walls, bathrooms etc, then yes, she would ask that they be cleaned but never re-inspect unless when the next inspection rolled around and the same problems where there again
Make sure you put your complaints in writing then email to her and also her boss or owner and keep a copy for your landlord when he comes. Also mention you asked if everything was OK and you had mentioned the lawns were not done due to weather & was told you had passed. Pick her up on her lies.
In the letter quote your rights with the section from the tenancy act. Then let them know if this happens again you will be taking it further as their inspections are against the tenancy act.
I'm 21 so my being young might have something to do with it. Problem is I just don't want to start anything. My MIL was there too so do you think having her be able to verify what was said would help? I'm just over this, every inspection for the last 3 years. If they didn't keep gettting us to sign 12month leases I'd swear they were just trying to annoy us out of the house. Maybe it's an intimidation thing? You know, never forget we have complete control over you living situation kind of thing?
Also my MIL was a cleaner in a nursing home for quite a few years which is why I asked her over, so she could have a look over and point out anything that I might not have noticed, she said it was fine
Call her boss and then report her to fair trading (if in qld)
Do you rent through a large franchise? If you do call their head office too. I used to work for the large yellow black and white one and they take thus stuff VERY seriously.
Well the inspection was today and as soon as she walked in the door she asked about my 3yr old stepson who was over last time she was and fell in love with her and said, wow the house looks so much better! Which is BS considering I didn't do anything except mop and vacuum again. THen she played with bub, asked his name, played with the dog, we had a nice chat blah blah blah and seemed like a completely different person. Stupid me didn't end up taking pictures since she was just so nice, I forgot. I mentioned that I had talked to the RTA and that the house being 'unorganised' was none of there business and her reply was that yea, but it wears the house down??? I also said I use cloth nappies and hes a really pukey baby so there is always going to be washing in the laundry. But in the end she did say it looks fine, this is the inspection standard we expect and it's all fine. She also mentioned it's up to the owner if we breach, so from what I understand she does the inspection, writes the report, gives it to the owner and then he lets them know whether to come back or not? Oh, and said she didn't mean to offend on the phone, she wasn't in uniform so I'm thinking maybe she's new and feels needs to prove herself or perhaps because the email wasn't addressed directly to her a superior read it and told her off?
I agree with Tinks. Get the photos now. And email her, copy the manager, thank her for the interest in your family and her pleasant attitude and say that you are happy she said xyz about how your home is perfect. Get in before she does OR have a great new relationship, either works.
Real Estate told me to do my laundry!?
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