How to Adult: Getting your landlord in line
Yeah, yeah, you’re a student living in a shithole with leaky windows and mould in more places every day. I get it. The landlord also gets it, despite their feigned obliviousness. The more you know about what you can do about it, the more likely your landlord is to actually do their job. So, tune your ears, listen up kids, and get ready for a brief rundown of how to get that stingy landlord in line.
First off: Know yur Rights.
I know, I know, the law is boring and you’ve already got classes to sit through, why add to the pile? Well, the more you know about what you’re entitled to, the more you can point out exactly when they’re breaking the law.
Not fixing something that has broken because of poor maintenance? Illegal.
Managing your power and sending you the bill? Illegal.
You get the gist. Spend an arvo surfing the Internet, read up and know your stuff. If you can quote the law to the landlord, they might actually listen.
Next: Document, Document, Document.
Your power comes from the trouble you could cause them in the Tenancy Tribunal. Not saying you have to actually take them there, but if you have dated photos and save all your emails? That’s a pretty bargaining chip. Get everything in writing. Anything you discuss verbally or on the phone, send a follow up email with exactly what they said and agreed to. If it can’t be proven, it didn’t happen.
Then: 14-Day Notices
These things are easy to find online and they’re your best friend if you’re not afraid to make a scene. A 14-day notice for repairs means the landlord is legally obligated to do their best to fix something within that time frame. Better yet, failure to do so will hold up in court. I mean, if they take 15 days you won’t get far, but if they get served a 14-day notice and do fuck all, well, that’s them screwed.
Finally: The Tribunal
The Tenancy Tribunal is a good option for students, especially when you’re being really fucked around. However, be aware of its imperfections. I don’t mean to put anyone off, but remember, landlords can afford legal counsel, especially property management companies. A $1,000 fine is fuck all to them, but if you fail your case, that document is public online. It can affect your chances of getting another flat, and is an immediate red flag for landlords.
Trust me, I know, I went through it, failed and spent two months couch surfing before a flat accepted me as a tenant. By all means don’t avoid the tribunal entirely, cases can win, but know what you’re in for. It’s fucking hard for the little guy.
At the end of the day, remember your rights. It’s always best to go directly to them with the law, where they have broken it, and what they need to do to avoid the dreaded “further action”. Be smart, and who knows, send them some feet-pics with an “UWU mr wandword”, maybe they’ll drop the rent as a thank you.