Wallpaper repairs
Question from elsje updated on 19th August 2019:
Our rental property has its original 1980’s wallpaper which is now crumbling off the walls and looks horrendous. There are big peeling patches and curling seams - the works. We’d like the landlord to fix this. Are they “necessary” repairs or cosmetic? The state of the walls has deteriorated since we’ve moved in, as I’m sure it’ll continue to do. What recourse do we have to get this fixed? What is considered “reasonable repair”?
Our expert Bernard Parker responded:
The landlord is the one who decides when maintenance is done, as budgeting and costs are a significant element in the decision. You say the wallpaper has deteriorated since you moved in. Does your landlord know that? I suggest you talk with the landlord and point out your dissatisfaction with the wallpaper and ask that it be updated. Unless you raise the issue, the landlord may be unaware that you are dissatisfied.
Bernard is principal of Quinovic – Kapiti-Mana. Quinovic's outstanding people and systems provide the most professional, effective and reliable residential property management service in the NZ market for over 30 years.Search the Ask an Expert archive
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