Rent deduction due to water proofing. Is 30-40% reduction reasonable? (QLD)
We live in a one bedroom, one bathroom apartment and pay $610 per week in QLD. For the last 2 months there has been a water proofing issue in our shower that has caused water to leak under the wall into our bedroom. The carpet was damp for some of this period (it is now dry) and developed mould. It has been a process following this up with the real estate and after speaking with the RTA/QSTARS still do not feel supported. We have previously requested urgent rent deductions and these have been declined.
The real estate agent is now getting ready to arrange trades and has expected the fix to take 4-6 weeks (worst case scenario). They are now open to a rent reduction as they have asked us 1) move out for 4-6 weeks or 2) stay in the unit but do not use the bedroom or shower (all other amenities are usable including the toilet). They have proposed a rent reduction of 30-40%. I feel this is not enough given we will need to shower elsewhere and not use our bedroom. I assume our bedroom carpet will need to be dried out and replaced. I understand there will be costly works required for the fix of the bathroom.
I have the below questions
- is 30–40% reduction reasonable?
- should I go through RTA/QCAT process to seek further reductions (possibly backdated to when the issue was first raised with the real estate and the carpets became wet?)
I have attached a photo of our carpet currently in the bedroom. There is no identifiable damage to the bathroom.
Thank you for your help.