Seeking owner viewpoints on a 'grey area'

While I agree that it's a small item and the landlord should pay, it the delivery of the request that makes all the difference - ie if the tenant was a ahole about it (which doesn't sound like the case)

As I property owner, I need to establish the rules up front and in a way "who's boss", if the tenant request was ridiculous eg change the light bulbs because I don't like the colour, or go concrete the backyard for me, put up gates, then I would straight out decline because agreeing would allow for future ridiculous requests.

Maybe the owner has been burnt before, I think you should reassure him that if there are stupid requests in the future, it is your job the pm to make sure the tenant is aware they will be 99% knocked back (the 1% is if the owner themselves actually agree).

My pm will call me on all requests but wil tell me to whether he thinks it can be ignored or need to address. I have that level of trust in him to know that he will be a gatekeeper and keep the power balance in my favour.

You as the pm need to give your clients the same reassurance.

 

In Vic, the tenants have to inspect the property before they sign the lease, and agents won't allow anyone to sign a lease without their inspection first.

 

Pretty much the same in NSW @Bayview .

That is why I said there are a lot of parties at fault here. If the agent believes it should have curtains, then it should have been noted prior to leasing. If the tenant wanted curtains, then they should have stated prior to leasing. The landlord is clear he does not want them and the law is backing him up. Whether we agree this is the position.

Time to move on.

 

Pretty short sighted approach. It sounds like something that was overlooked.

To risk losing good tenants over something so minor (and something that should be expected in a property in that price point in reality) is a case of ego and emotion over logic.

 

True but if this was my agency why would I continue to fight an owner who has made up their mind despite all the information that I have given them and they still say no and the law is behind them.

You would lose both the tenant, the property and possibly the landlord as a tenant.

Better to inform the tenant of their legal rights and have them install the curtains/blinds so at least their problem is resolved.

 

End of the day, if its not a landlord obligation in teh state, why should the landlord have to provide something that wasn't present at the inspection.

If it was an airconditioner everyone would jump on the opportunity to say "charge them more per week or tell them to gtfo". Perhaps you could charge them more per week for the curtains? Make the new rent $953/week or something

 

The feedback from Opens from professional families were dated bathrooms circa 80's with no subsequent interest...uni students in groups of five overlooked this and happily applied...owners not keen understandably hence sourcing a professional couple with two daughters was great

 

How'd you go with the chat with these owners renee?

 

Just do it. 40$ for rod and 80$ for curtains.

 

Owners given all the facts and chose "no" yet happy for tenants to do it all. We value quality tenants hence funding half of the cost with the tenants for this once off incidence. All parties happy.

 

Its when I read threads like this I thank God I am not a tenant

 

I woudnt spend that much I would get some cheap curtains. Blackout curtains from the reject shop are probably only about $20, a curtain rod from spotlight or hardware store probably about $10, which you can get a tax deduction on.

 

The agent articulated no curtains in the Entry Condition Report...tenant did not notice no curtains at Open Home Also other curtains were being laundered at the time.

 

Happy to share all above points were undertaken by Diligent

 

I think this is really good of you.
Understandably with some curtains being laundered during inspections it was hard to establish what had curtains and what didn't.
If it was a living room etc most people would be able to deal with it but a bedroom where modesty and SLEEP is essential I would want curtains in.
Kudos @DiligentPM

 

@Fargo - you won't find many tighter than FL.

 

Ones intimate life would take a nosedive unless one is an exhibitionist

 

Or..... once they agree to half half then surprise them and say that was just a test. We will pay for everything.

Man... should seek a win win with the tenant especially if they are paying that much rent and signing 1 year lease.

It's not a once off transaction.

Seeking win win is best for everyone.

So next time when they ask for something say look, as humans we have unlimited wants but limited resources.. if we have one car, we want another better one. Remember the time you asked for curtains and I delivered on that, you can't just keep asking for more and more.

 

It's not about winning using law and what not. bloody...

It's not a once off transaction... it's repeated business... try to seek win wins.