A woman renting a three-bedroom townhouse in Redfern turned to social media to express her disappointment after her landlord hiked her rent by $700 without any warning.
Chantelle Schmidt posted the letter she got from her landlord in a TikTok video, drawing over half a million views. She explained that her rent ballooned from $1900 to $2600 a fortnight.
“Because we’re on a month-to-month (lease agreement), they’re allowed to do this, there is actually no limit to how much they want to increase,” Schmidt said.
“From what I’m hearing, the best thing we can try and do is negotiate or go to tribunal.”
But Ms Schmidt asked her followers if the increase was warranted and proceeded to show the water damage and mould, the loose flooring, and the hole below her refrigerator, which was only covered with cardboard.
@chantellecschmidt FML. #sydneyrent #sydneyrentals #help #housingmarket #housingmarket2023 ♬ original sound – Chantelle Schmidt
Ms Schmidt tried to negotiate through her real estate agent, who could not help her close a better deal.
TikTok users advised the Redfern renter to take the matter to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal because of the unreasonable rate increase. She was also told to find a new place but there are risks with this option as the supply in the market is currently tight. Those looking for houses usually expect to see long lines at an available rental property
It comes as a Domain rental report indicated the highest increase at 18.6 per cent in unit rentals in Sydney for the year ending December 2022, prompting renters across Australia to ask for a cap in increases.
Published 19 February 2023
