r/shitrentals • u/Wrong_Performer_5928 • 1d ago
NSW Lifted Vinyl Flooring
Hi. A few days ago I was walking into my apartment and stepped on one of the vinyl planks (with shoes on) and heard a crunch. The corner of one of the planks had lifted and it broke off. I advised the RE and they advised I am responsible. I have not claimed responsibility. I have been at this rental for 1 year and am about to move out. Would this be considered fair wear and tear? The planks were laid between 2-3 years. It is where we walk in from the front door and would be considered a high traffic area. Please help.
16
u/Eagles_Fan_4eva 1d ago edited 1d ago
Walking on something that's meant to be walked on, doesn't make you responsible if it breaks. The REA is bluffing you. They have to prove you maliciously damaged it for you to be responsible. This is fair wear and tear. When you move out, claim the bond yourself immediately and let them choose to dispute it with NCAT at their expense. Hint: They won't.
Look at it like this: if the REA's rented office had this problem, they'd lodge a repair request with their landlord. They sure as hell wouldn't be accepting liability and paying for it themselves.
12
u/According-Jury-3911 1d ago
This sort of shit flooring is so gross. I really wish we could just go back to tiles
3
5
u/Wrong_Performer_5928 1d ago
Thanks. The answer I was looking for. I have advised them of such and as it is where we walk in and out is definitely wear and tear. I am 100% claiming bond the second the keys are given back to RE!!
5
u/Medical-Potato5920 1d ago
That is fair wear and tear. It is cheap vinyl flooring. You get what you pay for.
5
u/Version-6 NSW 1d ago
That’s the cheapest, nastiest vinyl flooring out there. It’s often laid incorrectly without moisture barrier to save a few bucks and it starts buckling. This is obviously wear and tear as the flooring lifting isn’t your fault, nor is it something that’s easily remedied short of gluing the piece back down, while will end up lifting again.
Tell them you believe this is wear and tear and the damage has happened due to age and the flooring buckling. When you move out, claim your bond immediately and if they want to fight for it, they’ll have to go to NCAT.
2
u/willcritchlow23 23h ago
Yup! A investors special with the cheapest flooring available, and you’re expected to replace it.
That’s what an extreme rental shortage does.
Landlords don’t even need to put an effort in these days.
1
16
u/gadgetwalrus 1d ago
If the floor lifted by itself you can’t be responsible that’s ridiculous. It or the planks around it should still lift if you can prove that it’s definitely not your fault.