From Anonymous
August 14, 2025
It’s been about a year since I lived in that place, and I still remember how run-down it was. The landlord barely responded to anything unless it was a clear breach of minimum standards like the leaking tap, broken back door lock, or a fence about to fall over.
I was told the back door flyscreen would be fixed before moving in. It never was. None of the three flyscreens actually sat in their frames so bugs were a constant issue. The old wind up windows didn’t help either many were sealed shut or missing keys and one flyscreen literally fell off.
The place was freezing in winter and unbearable in summer. There was no proper insulation, just old vertical blinds that didn’t block light or heat. A single weak gas heater in the lounge and an ageing ceiling fan (that wouldn’t go above speed 2) were all that kept the place going. During heatwaves, it was impossible to cool down fans and portable aircon barely made a dent.
Inside, everything was either makeshift or falling apart. Carpet tiles were laid straight over concrete and stained throughout. The bathroom and laundry had been renovated, but clearly as a DIY job. Wonky tiles, messy grout, peeling paint on the ceiling and some worrying stains. Ceilings in general were caving slightly, and the floors were uneven across the unit.
The kitchen was awkwardly designed laminate flooring lifting, only one power point on the usable bench side, and no space for a dishwasher. The stovetop was electric but rusted, with only two plates working properly. The bedrooms had flimsy external wardrobes made of cheap plywood that caught on clothes.
The backyard could’ve been a plus, but it flooded in heavy rain, weeds pushed through the tiles, and the rusted downpipe caused mould along the wall. The washing line was mostly unusable thanks to an overgrown bush beneath it.
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