Over the past week, the fierceness of Sydney’s storms has left thousands of residents in a state of turmoil. Melanie Bradfield, Tenants' Advocate at Redfern Legal Centre, spoke to SBS journalist Ben Winsor about tenants' rights in regards to storm/water damage.
" A landlord has a general duty to maintain the property in a reasonable state of repair. The tenant has a general duty to inform the landlord when there is a repair or maintenance issue. " - Melanie Bradfield, Tenants' Advocate.
Redfern Legal Centre plays an integral role in providing vulnerable tenants with legal assistance and advice. In the event that mass damage - to property and personal possessions - has been caused by the storms, renters may be entitled for cover for such damage through their landlord (provided he or she is covered by insurance). If damages to property are especially severe, tenants may be eligible for emergency accommodation, as provided by the insurance company. Additionally, if tenants are unable to use or maintain the rented property to the expected standard, landlords may be required to lessen the rent until the damages have been appropriately repaired.
Read the full article as it appeared on SBS Online here.
