47/1 Shirley Street, Alexandria NSW 2015

The apartment itself has a lot going for it: a great location, two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a balcony, courtyard and secure underground parking. It’s carpeted throughout and generally comfortable, though access is only via stairs — there’s no lift. Unfortunately, the experience was overshadowed by the landlords’ behaviour. Over one year, the rent was raised twice, totalling a 40 increase — about 35%. After four years of paying rent in full and on time, we received a no-grounds eviction. The landlords then lodged a claim on our entire bond over a single carpet patch near a wall, insisting we pay to replace every carpet in the apartment because they couldn’t match it. We took them to NCAT and they were awarded half the bond to patch the area. Whether they ever actually did the repair is doubtful. Great apartment, but the landlords were unreasonable and self-entitled.