Renters: cuts all round

QUESTION: The owners in our building have just cut the concierge services so they can reduce their levies,  meaning that not only do we no longer have 24-hour security, we have had access to the gym, swimming pool, roof garden and loading bay reduced by several hours a day

A couple of weeks ago you said that if your owners corporations cut services to save on levies then tenants could get a reduction in their rents.  Does this come automatically when the levies are cut? – Jonjo, Woolloomooloo

ANSWER: No, you have to ask for it and may even have to take your landlord to a Rent Tribunal to get it.  That said, you have a very strong case because your landlord has effectively broken their contract with you by allowing other owners to reduce the services package you were promised when you signed the lease.

Even better, you will be able to quantify exactly how much these services were worth. If they have saved $10 a week off their levies, you can ask for a reduction of $10 a week off your rent.

Sympathetic owners will give you the exact figures and get in touch with the Tenants Advisory Service and ask their advice about your next step.

Log on to the TenantsNSW (www.tenants.org.au) for general advice.

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