Melbourne estate agency Woodards Croydon sparks outrage after making ‘deaf’ request to tenant

An Australian tenant has shared the “tone deaf” email he received from his estate agent asking them to donate their $300 discount to the fundraiser.

The angry Melbourne tenant shared the email from Woodards Croydon Rentals on Saturday.

The email detailed the agent’s plan to participate in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, which raises money for those struggling, and asked tenants to donate.

Further infuriating the tenant, the email highlighted the $300 energy rebate each Australian household would receive as money that could be donated.

The discount will not be delivered in cash, but will be offered as a quarterly discount on energy bills, paid directly to the supplier.

“I am contacting you with a sincere request to support my participation in Vinnies CEO Sleepout 2024,” the realtor wrote.

“As you may already know, this initiative aims to raise awareness and crucial funds to fight homelessness in our community.

“With the recent announcement of the Federal Budget’s cost of living relief, which includes a $300 discount on energy bills for all Australian households, I have been reflecting on the privilege many of us have and the opportunity to make a real difference .

“While this reduction provides a welcome reprieve for many facing financial challenges, it is important to recognize that not everyone is fortunate enough to have a roof over their head.”

The agent asked tenants to “join me in paying it forward by donating the discount.”

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“Imagine, a contribution of $300 can help resettle someone who is sleeping rough in accommodation services, giving them safety, support and hope for a better future,” they said.

“Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.

“So if you are able to do so, please consider making a donation to support this important cause. Thank you for your generosity and compassion.

“Let’s come together to create positive change and build a brighter future for our community.”

The $300 cut in energy was announced in the federal budget in May in response to the cost of living crisis.

From July 1, all households will see a $300 credit automatically applied to their electricity bills, and one million small businesses will receive $325 off their bills.

Energy companies will apply $75 in credits to each quarterly energy bill under the rebate scheme

The recipient of the email was stunned by the request and asked why it was sent to agency tenants and not landlords.

“My realtor wants me to give money so people can afford to live in a house,” they wrote on Reddit.

“Total audacity and deafness demand that a tenant, not a landlord, be asked to give their money because the property is not accessible to other people.

“In this climate of unaffordable housing caused by real estate, this is a slap in the face.”

The tenant described the email as “a tone-deaf plea for money”.

“How dare peasants be given reprieve or exhortations, we should ask them to donate it, even though they themselves may be at risk of homelessness,” they said.

“Here’s a better idea, keep housing affordable so people don’t become homeless in the first place.”

Woodards CEO Nigel O’Neil told Daily Mail Australia the agency has a long history of participating in the CEO Sleepout.

“Woodards has been participating in the CEO Sleepout since 2017, and since then we have raised just over $713,000, which was used to purchase 8 soup vans and directly provide 921,347 meals to people in need,” he said.

“For the past two years we have been the number one fundraising team in Victoria and number two nationally.

“Additionally, a percentage of every Woodards sales commission and rental fee is donated to our foundation, where it is distributed to organizations that help Victorians who are homeless.

“We are committed to helping provide housing and support to the most vulnerable members of our community.”

As for why the email was sent to tenants, Mr O’Neil said: “This year, for the past eight years, executives, employees and business partners have attended the CEO Sleepout.

“Participants reach out to all contact persons for donations, as in this case.

“We can appreciate that not everyone is able to donate, but if you can, it’s a great cause because everyone deserves basic needs like shelter and food.”

Several commenters recommended that the tenant forward the email to the head of the agency or a governing body such as Consumer Affairs Victoria.

“Forward the email to the agency director, telling them you are not sure why you are receiving this email. Point out you’re concerned someone has hacked their data and ask if it’s a scam,” wrote one.

Another added: “Mention and point out the stupidity. “Surely asking people who don’t own homes to donate to people who don’t own homes was a mistake? Shouldn’t this have been emailed to people who own multiple homes?’.

A third said: “Was there any mention in the tenancy agreement, residential tenancy law or consumer law about using your contact details for marketing? It might be worth contacting your tenants’ union or the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Others said they got to keep the discount for themselves and were surprised the estate agent mentioned the relief package.

“Your energy reduction is none of their business,” said one.

— What a tone-deaf letter. I always try not to judge people, but I really struggle with real estate agents. So many brilliant pricks in that industry,’ wrote another.

“They can fuck right away. How about I take a cut of the PROFIT to donate. Selfish and greedy bastards, said another.