Non Urgent Repairs in Rentals

When it comes to rental properties in NSW, there are clear outlines for each party to abide by. Whether you are the tenant or the landlord or even the property manager, being familiar with who is responsible for what will ensure smooth renting occurs for all involved. According to the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 and Residential Tenancies Regulation 2006, all tenants have certain rights and responsibilities. As with everything, repairs will need to be done at times to a residential dwelling and where renting is involved, there is certain steps to be made and guidelines to follow.

The landlords’ responsibilities.

The premises to be rented through real estate Sydney must be in a liveable state and reasonably clean when tenants move in. It is also the responsibility of the landlord to ensure these premises are maintained to a realistic standard. This is includes having any repairs required carried out and seeing that maintenance is done. The landlord may give permission to the tenants to carry out non urgent repairs themselves and reimburse the tenant for costs incurred. Any agreement undertaken should be in writing. The landlord is required by law to have any non urgent repairs carried out and refusal to do so may result in action being taken.

The tenants’ responsibilities.

The tenant must advise the landlord or property manager of any repairs needing to be done. This should be done in writing and a clear deadline needs to be given, copies should be kept as well as a record of conversations. The real estate the property is rented through should have a book this can also be recorded in. If the tenant wishes to carry out repairs themselves, there needs to be an agreement in writing between all parties involved outlining reimbursements and permission given. If the landlord refuses to have repairs done the tenant can advise in writing of the obligations to have repairs done under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987. In the event the landlord still refuses to carry out repairs, a dispute can be raised through Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal. At no time should the tenants stop paying rent if there is a dispute as this is a breach of their residential tenancy agreement and may result in being evicted.
Your property management Macarthur is there to assist and advise on any queries regarding repairs. Always ask first before making any decisions and be sure you are doing the right thing according to the law.