Renting Matters: Episode 2 - Cracks Emerge

A transcript of this episode can be found here. 

This is the second episode in our series called “Renting Matters”, which explores all aspects of tenancy and other living arrangements, such as boarding or lodging and living in a Land Lease Community in NSW. This series is a joint project between the Tenants’ Union of New South Wales (“TU”) and Legal Aid NSW.

In this episode, “Cracks Emerge”, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch explores problems that arise during a tenancy, including issues about privacy; access to the property by the landlord or agent; repairs; security and utilities. We speak to Olivia, a Tenants’ Advocate with the TU, about the sorts of issues people call the TU and other tenancy services about once they are in a tenancy. We also speak to Merrilyn, who volunteers on the TU advice line and who also works supporting clients with disabilities, including supporting them to maintain their tenancies when problems arise. There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can help clients address issues that arise during a tenancy.

Use the links below to find out more information about what we talked about in this episode.

Tenants’ Union of New South Wales tenants.org.au - Look for the tiles on Repairs and utilities and Privacy, access and security .

You can also enter your or your client’s postcode at the bottom of the pages of the Tenants’ Union website to find your closest local tenancy service.

On the Tenants’ Union website are these fact sheets:

• Bond
• Repairs and Maintenance
• Locks and security
• Access and privacy
• NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal
• Smoke Alarms
• Disaster Damage
• Utilities
• Mould
• Asbestos and Lead
• Access

Sample Letters

• Repairs Before Tenancy
• Repairs
• Urgent Repairs
• Reimbursement for urgent repairs
• Repairs to be carried out by owners corp
• Unpaid water charges
• Invalid water usage - efficiancy
• Rent reduction

For Pests & vermin see the Fair Trading website.

For information about the National Disability Insurance Scheme see:

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

For information on Embedded Networks:

Embedded network consumer | Australian Energy Regulator (aer.gov.au)

Embedded networks on ABC's 7.30 Report | Tenants' Union

Tenants' Union embedded network blog post “Hummmmm” 

LawAccess 1300 888 529 has useful information and links on its website about tenancy:

 

Music: Fata Morgana by Yemanjo

Editing by Tiffany Dimmack from Audiocraft

Please send questions, comments and feedback to cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au