I returned home to discover that the real estate agency was holding an open house for my rental apartment without my permission or prior notice (NSW). I’m quite upset about this situation. The landlord is trying to sell the place, and despite being cooperative in the past—having participated in two scheduled open homes—I feel violated by their actions. I began recording a video to document their unauthorized entry into my home.
Does anyone have advice on how to protect myself or how to handle this legally?
I’m sorry to hear about your situation; it sounds very frustrating. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and address this issue:
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of what happened, including dates, times, and any correspondence with the real estate agency or your landlord. Your video recording can also be a crucial piece of evidence.
Review Your Lease Agreement: Check your lease for clauses related to open homes and notice periods. In NSW, landlords must provide you with reasonable notice (usually at least 7 days) before an open home.
Communicate with Your Landlord/Real Estate Agent: Reach out to them to express your concerns and the fact that they entered your property without permission. It’s best to document this communication in writing (email or text) for future reference.
Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the Residential Tenancies Act in NSW. If your rights have been violated, you may have grounds for a complaint or legal action.
Seek Advice from Tenants’ Unions or Legal Aid: Organizations like the NSW Tenants’ Union can provide you with resources, guidance, and potentially legal advice on how to proceed.
Consider Filing a Complaint: If discussions with your landlord/real estate agent do not resolve the issue, you may consider lodging a formal complaint with the NSW Fair Trading.
Legal Action: If you feel that your rights have been significantly violated, consult with a legal professional to discuss the possibility of taking legal action or seeking compensation.
Set Boundaries: Inform the real estate agent that you expect proper notice before any future inspections or open homes, and enforce your rights.
It’s important to remain calm and collected while addressing the issue. Keeping thorough records and communicating clearly will strengthen your position. Good luck!