VIC Split System A/C...is actually heater.

Discussion in 'Property Management' started by alwayslearning2, 17th Dec, 2019.

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  1. alwayslearning2

    alwayslearning2 Active Member

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    Hi Guys,

    Have had a weird one as a renter, curious if anyone has come across this before. I'm sure I'll chuckle about it when its resolved...

    The property advertised as having a split system, unit on wall looks like a split system & I confirmed with agent before signing that the A/c would be covered for maintenance etc under the agreement. I'm paying what I think is fair rent for an air conditioned place.

    I move in. I go to switch A/c and notice its not cooling. On closer inspection I discover its not connected to anything and can be lifted off wall. I then notice sticker on top which says 'Wall Mounted Heater' :eek::eek:. I look around like I'm on an episode of punkt :rolleyes:

    I call the PM - she is off Mondays and the receptionist tries to convince me its a split, and it just needs a service. We close off that query with photos.

    Email received from PM today saying they are arranging quotes to have fitted asap.

    I'm curious if anyone thinks I'd have a case for compensation or rent reduction.
    Given the time of year I'm thinking I'll be a lucky boy if its sorted before the Xmas break, and I'm not looking forward to the incoming Melbourne heat waves and a visit from the elderlies !!
     
    alwayslearning2, 17th Dec, 2019
    #1
  2. wylie

    wylie Moderator Staff Member

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    I would be very peeved if an agent advertised something in my IP that wasn't there, meaning I need to install at a cost of probably $2k+ and I'd be asking for the property manager to pay any rent reduction that was sought.

    If I was the tenant, I'd be annoyed that an error in the listing was made, that probably nobody realised what looks like a split wasn't actually a split. But I'd be happy that the landlord is adding a split system aircon for me so quickly and not fighting it.

    I wouldn't ask for a rent reduction because I'd think that next lease renewal my rent may be bumped up. That may happen anyway.
     
    wylie, 17th Dec, 2019
    #2
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  3. significance

    significance Well-Known Member

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    I had something similar in the place I am currently renting in Townsville. Moved in in January 2018 to a 2br flat with three air conditioners, only to discover that none of them worked. PM advised that it would take at least six weeks to get it fixed due to the high demand at that time of year. I asked for a rent reduction. Suddenly, the air cons could be fixed within two days.
     
    significance, 17th Dec, 2019
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  4. Mel Morgan

    Mel Morgan Sydney Property Manager Business Member

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    Aircon is a struggle to get organised quickly this time of the year. Maybe see if they can install it this side of Xmas or otherwise ask for a rent reduction if there's going to be an extended delay?
     
    Mel Morgan, 18th Dec, 2019
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  5. TMNT

    TMNT Well-Known Member

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    so is it a air con thats broken? or is a heater only split?
     
    TMNT, 18th Dec, 2019
    #5
  6. alwayslearning2

    alwayslearning2 Active Member

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    Its not a split at all. Its a stand alone wall mounted heater
     
    alwayslearning2, 18th Dec, 2019
    #6
  7. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    The PM is probably too young to know that they made heaters once upon a time. :p
     
    Scott No Mates, 18th Dec, 2019
    #7
  8. DaveM

    DaveM Well-Known Member

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    Bunnings etc sell a wall mounted heater that looks like a small AC split indoor unit. Maybe the agent never noticed or the owner didnt tell them :(
     
    DaveM, 19th Dec, 2019
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  9. Team Tenant

    Team Tenant Member

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    Depending on the circumstances, I would be asking for a slight rent reduction for the period affected. How long had you been living in the property before you noticed, until time you notified LL/REA? A small compensation seems fair, given that the place was advertised with split system a/c.
     
    Team Tenant, 23rd Dec, 2019
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  10. Team Tenant

    Team Tenant Member

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    Addition to my previous post, Depending on the circumstances, It is up to the LL/REA to make sure the rental is advertised correctly. So if you think its going to take some time for them to install one,(since it's not a matter of repairing the one that is there, as there isn't one there) then it only seems fair to both parties that there is a rent reduction for the period of start of lease date till they install. I am sure the LL would object, but had it been the reverse situation and you only paid some rent, not full, i am sure they would be claiming on that.
     
    Team Tenant, 23rd Dec, 2019
    #10
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