Sydney landlord demands $1000 payment over scratch on floorboard

Read Time:2 Minute, 5 Second

A Sydney renter has been left stunned after their landlord demanded they pay $1000 to repair a tiny scratch on a floorboard.

During the tenant’s final inspection in September, the landlord made the “ridiculous” demand after noticing an “almost invisible” scratch.

While the landlord argued the floors had to be replaced due to the damage, the tenant argued the scratch was tiny.

Watch the latest news and stream for free on 7plus >>

Posting online to ask for advice, the renter shared an image of the scratch on the wooden floorboard.

“Just want to ask if it sounds ridiculous to you that my landlord wants to charge $1000 for a minimal scratch on a panel of a timber floor?” they posted to Reddit.

The renter went on to explain their landlord plans to remove and redo the entire floor due to the scratch.

“Does that make sense to you?” the renter asked.

The renter and their partner decided to advise their landlord they would be going to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) as they “didn’t agree” with paying $1000.

A Sydney renter has been left stunned after their landlord demanded they pay $1000 to repair a tiny scratch on a floorboard. Credit: Reddit

After a week of back and forth, the renter said the two parties eventually settled on a $500 payment for repairs.

“I hope she spends that $500 well because if I wasn’t with my partner, I would’ve gone to court,” the tenant said.

The renter explained that the landlord decided to lower the charge and close the case because it “wasn’t worth anyone’s time”

Other renters were horrified at the demand and left their support in the comments of the Reddit post.

“Yeah it sounds like the landlord is trying to get them to pay for new floors,” one person said.

“If it’s careless damage the tenant could be up for paying … but $1k seems excessive if it’s not a large scratch,” another suggested.

“Landlords should be required to show a picture of the damage fixed within a month or else refund it,” a third piped in.

Renters who are unsure if a charge from a real estate agent or landlord is unfair can find more information on the Fair Trading NSW website or apply for their case to be heard at the NCAT.