A property listing in Perth has faced criticism for stating in the fine print that the residence had an unresolved issue with rising damp.
Saraceni Real Estate has listed the three-bedroom, one-bathroom property in Middle Swan, in Perth’s northeast, for $600-per-week.
The rental is described as a ‘spacious family home’ on a quiet street close to shops, restaurants, and local schools.
But an alarming caveat was revealed in the next paragraph.
‘Please note there is rising damp throughout the whole property that will not be getting attended to,’ the listing continues.
‘Please do your own check if it will have/cause any health risks for you and anyone that would be living with you.’
Phillip Saraceni from Saraceni Real Estate mentioned that the rising damp was initially noticed in 2021 when paint began to bubble at the bottom of a skirting board.
The owner wanted to fix the issue but it would have required vacating the property, and the tenant refused to leave.
The rental was listed for $600-a-week in Middle Swan, in Perth’s northeast (pictured)
The property has been described as a ‘spacious family home’ that is close to shops and restaurants. The large backyard is pictured
The warning of the dampness has not deterred renters from expressing interest in the home
Mr. Saraceni remarked that his real estate agency had consulted with the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (DLGIRS) to confirm if the property could be rented out with such problems, and were informed it would be at the tenant’s discretion.
The agent said the rising damp was not getting worse and that six people had registered their interest since the home was listed last Thursday.
‘We present conditions to the tenant prior to applying. That way they can make their own decision,’ he told news.com.au.
Despite the six interested parties, many online commenters could not understand how anyone would put their health at risk by moving in.
‘For the low price of $600 a week you can have the chance to live with potential mould and health hazards… spacious family home with enough room for everyone to get sick,’ commented a user on the Don’t Rent Me Facebook page.
‘This is really sick,’ a second person said.
‘How is that allowed? Absolutely disgusting and reprehensible,’ a third agreed.
The DLGIRS states that a home must be free from pests and vermin, reasonably clean, and in good repair at the start of a tenancy.
A number of potential renters have registered their interest in the three-bedroom, one bathroom property in Perth’s northeast (pictured)
A spokesperson from Consumer Protection WA informed the Daily Mail: ‘In Western Australia, tenants have the right to expect that a rental property meets minimum standards, including being in good repair at the beginning of any tenancy.’
‘Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA) (RTA), landlords are legally required to ensure properties are safe and suitable for habitation.
‘Property managers are obligated to disclose all significant details before listing a property. It is prohibited for agents or landlords to attempt to limit their obligations under the RTA through contract terms or advertising.
‘Tenants concerned about rising damp, maintenance issues, or whether their home is fit for habitation are encouraged to lodge a complaint with Consumer Protection.’
An inspection of the home will take place on September 26, with the property available for rent from October 7.
Daily Mail has contacted Saraceni Real Estate for comment.
